International Efforts to Resume Peace Talks in Sudan Gain Momentum After Berlin Conference
The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) has announced plans to organize advanced peace talks next month, aiming to include Sudanese stakeholders who were absent from the recent Berlin conference. The initiative, led by a coalition known as the “quintet”—comprising the African Union, IGAD, the United Nations, the European Union, and the League of Arab States—seeks to foster a Sudanese-led dialogue to resolve the country’s ongoing conflict.
A Call for Inclusivity
The Berlin conference, held on May 15, brought together 40 representatives from Sudanese political and civilian groups to address key issues such as an immediate ceasefire, humanitarian access, protection of civilians, and Sudan’s unity. However, the event faced criticism for its perceived lack of inclusivity. Notably, 25 political and civic groups aligned with Sudan’s armed forces, including the Justice and Equality Movement, rejected the conference, citing selective invitations.
Lawrence Korbandy, IGAD’s special envoy to Sudan, acknowledged these concerns in an interview with Radio Dabanga, emphasizing that the quintet’s upcoming meetings will ensure broader participation. “The aim is to support a comprehensive Sudanese-led dialogue, where Sudanese themselves define the agenda and participants,” Korbandy said. He added that neither the quintet nor IGAD would impose an agenda, stressing the importance of Sudanese ownership of the peace process.
Berlin Conference: A Step Forward
Despite the criticism, Korbandy described the Berlin conference as a significant step forward. For the first time, Sudanese political forces, civil society groups, women, and youth—both from within Sudan and the diaspora—gathered under one roof to discuss a peaceful resolution to the conflict. The conference resulted in a joint appeal covering seven key areas, including a call for an immediate ceasefire and a Sudanese-led political dialogue.
Korbandy also addressed the absence of warring parties at the Berlin event, explaining that the conference aimed to exert pressure on them to halt hostilities rather than engage in direct talks. “The focus was on creating conditions for civilian dialogue,” he noted.
Government Criticism
Sudan’s Prime Minister Kamil Idris criticized the Berlin conference for failing to invite the Sudanese government, describing the omission as a “mistake.” Speaking at a press conference on May 15, Idris stated that the government would have participated had it been included. Meanwhile, the Sudan Founding Alliance, a political coalition, accused the conference of including figures aligned with the Sudanese army and the Islamic movement.
The Quintet’s Role
Korbandy outlined the quintet’s mission as facilitating dialogue among Sudanese civilian actors and unifying them toward a shared vision for peace. He emphasized that the group was established to coordinate international and regional efforts on Sudan, avoiding fragmented agendas. In contrast, the “quartet”—comprising Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, and the United States—focuses on ending the war, enforcing ceasefires, and implementing humanitarian truces.
Funding Pledges and International Support
The Berlin conference also secured €1.5 billion in funding pledges, with more than half contributed by the European Union and its member states. Germany hosted the event due to its significant development investments in Sudan, including projects in energy, railways, technology, and healthcare.
A Plea for Unity
Korbandy concluded with a stark message, describing war as “a worthless commodity” that must be rejected by the Sudanese people. He urged civilians and military leaders alike to prioritize their country’s interests and avoid divisions that benefit external parties. “Solutions will not come from outsiders,” he said. “They must emerge from the will and consensus of the Sudanese themselves.”
— Reported by Nexio News
