Sudan Condemns Berlin Conference as “Colonial Interference,” Warns of Diplomatic Consequences
Berlin/Khartoum — Sudan’s government has sharply criticized the Third International Conference on Sudan, held in Berlin on April 10, calling it a violation of national sovereignty and an echo of colonial-era dominance. The Sudanese Foreign Ministry issued a strongly worded statement, accusing organizers of deliberately excluding Khartoum while favoring groups aligned with the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
“A Direct Challenge to Sovereignty”
The Sudanese government denounced the conference as an “unacceptable interference” in its internal affairs, arguing that any discussions about Sudan’s future must involve its official institutions. The Foreign Ministry warned that such initiatives risk deepening divisions rather than fostering peace.
“This conference represents a blatant disregard for Sudan’s sovereignty,” the statement read. “It follows the same flawed approach as previous meetings in Paris and London—undermining international law and providing political cover to armed groups.”
Sudan’s military-led government has been locked in a brutal conflict with the RSF since April 2023, with both sides accused of war crimes. Khartoum insists that foreign mediators must remain neutral, accusing Berlin of tilting the scales by allegedly sidelining pro-government voices.
Protests in Berlin and Accusations of Bias
As the conference began, Sudanese expatriates and supporters of the armed forces staged protests outside Germany’s Foreign Ministry, waving national flags and chanting slogans against what they called “Western meddling.” Demonstrators, many of whom traveled from across Europe, demanded that Sudan’s official government be included in negotiations.
Meanwhile, a coalition of 25 Sudanese political and civil society groups—including the Justice and Equality Movement and the Beja Supreme Council—issued a joint statement condemning the conference’s “lack of transparency.” They claimed the guest list disproportionately favored RSF allies while excluding key national stakeholders.
“The agenda was drafted without Sudanese input, stripping the process of any legitimacy,” the statement said. “This is not peacemaking—it’s an attempt to impose foreign solutions on Sudan.”
Humanitarian Concerns or Political Leverage?
Khartoum also accused organizers of exploiting Sudan’s humanitarian crisis—where millions face famine and displacement—to push a political agenda. The government warned against using aid as a bargaining chip, insisting that relief efforts must remain neutral.
Sudan’s Foreign Ministry reiterated its commitment to peace but stressed that any mediation must respect the country’s sovereignty. It pointed to its own December 2025 UN Security Council proposal as a more legitimate framework for talks.
Diplomatic Fallout Looms
The Sudanese government has already delivered a formal protest to Germany’s Foreign Ministry, hinting at potential diplomatic repercussions. Khartoum warned it may “reconsider relations” with nations backing the Berlin conference, signaling possible retaliatory measures.
Analysts suggest the strong rhetoric reflects Sudan’s frustration with international efforts that bypass its leadership. “The government sees this as part of a pattern—foreign powers dictating terms rather than supporting Sudanese-led solutions,” said Ahmed Abdelatif, a Khartoum-based political analyst.
What’s Next?
With neither side backing down, the Berlin conference risks further polarizing Sudan’s conflict. As protests continue and diplomatic tensions rise, the question remains: Can any international initiative succeed without Khartoum’s buy-in?
For now, Sudan’s message is clear: No foreign-sponsored peace talks will be recognized unless the government has a central role.
— Reported by Nexio News
