International Lakes Conference Expresses Deep Concern Over Steps to Form Parallel Government, Welcomes Roadmap

Sudanhorizon – Follow-Ups

The International Conference on the Great Lakes Region welcomed the roadmap recently announced by the Sudanese government, and stressed the importance of coordination with the legitimate authorities in Sudan towards achieving peaceful democratic transition.

The Executive Secretary of the Conference expressed his deep concern over the announcement by the rebel Rapid Support Forces and its affiliated groups of a political charter that establishes a parallel ruling authority in the areas under their control. He considered that “this development poses a great threat to the unity of Sudan and may hinder ongoing regional and international efforts towards peace and dialogue.”

A statement issued by the General Secretariat of the Great Lakes Conference, which was viewed by the Sudanhorizon news website, stated that the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region “strongly opposes this unilateral measure that challenges Sudan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.” Adding that the conference reaffirms the principles set out during the 10th Extraordinary Summit of Heads of State and Government of the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region held in June 2023, which clearly recognized that “the solution to the Sudanese crisis does not include a military solution and therefore requires a comprehensive political process.”

The statement said that the Executive Secretary of the Conference, stresses their conviction that lasting peace in Sudan can only be achieved through inclusive dialogue that includes all Sudanese stakeholders. In this context, the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region welcomes the roadmap announced by Sudan on 9 February 2025 regarding the formation of a Council of Ministers of independent technocrats to restore peace and stability in the country and resume the tasks of the transitional period, including achieving democratic transformation in the country.

The statement expressed “deep concern about the violence against civilians that has disrupted humanitarian operations, especially in El Fasher and Zamzam camp, and we call for immediate humanitarian access. We reaffirm our commitment to the unity and territorial integrity of Sudan and the peaceful resolution of this conflict.”

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