Civil society organizations and political forces participating in the international conference on Sudan, held in the German capital of Berlin, sat around one table for the first time to express their firm desire for peace. The “Quintet” coalition—comprising the African Union, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), the Arab League, the European Union, and the United Nations—announced that it warmly welcomes the collective call made by Sudanese parties to set aside their differences to end the war and ensure humanitarian aid accessibility.
Sudan has endured severe conflict and suffering for three consecutive years, leaving its citizens divided across various factions and displaced. However, the scene witnessed at the Berlin conference was surprising and hopeful for many. Representatives of various Sudanese civil society organizations, both from the diaspora and within the country, were seen sitting together for the first time in three years to promote a shared vision.
The Quintet described this gathering as a “hard-won victory” to reverse the fragmentation and large-scale humanitarian suffering currently seen in Sudan. The agreement is regarded as a crucial step toward building trust among Sudanese people and re-establishing a shared national platform for dialogue.
The joint statement issued by the participants focused on four key pillars: the first is a call for de-escalation, urging an immediate end to acts of violence and the silencing of guns. The second point emphasizes the protection of civilians, strictly demanding that innocent citizens, infrastructure, and medical facilities be shielded from attack. Furthermore, pressure was applied regarding humanitarian access to ensure that aid reaches millions of displaced and famine-stricken citizens without obstacles. Finally, they expressed a desire for a civilian-led political transition—an inclusive process owned by Sudanese stakeholders that can address the root causes of the conflict.
The Berlin conference, held at the ministerial level, aimed to ensure that global attention remains fixed on Sudan, with international partners praising the unity shown by Sudanese civilian forces and confirming their readiness to translate this initiative into action. In its statement, the Quintet noted that this step has cleared a path for a more inclusive Sudanese political dialogue.
The coalition pledged to strengthen efforts, in coordination with regional and international partners, to return Sudan to a peaceful and civilian-led transition period.
Although the unity displayed in Berlin is a significant achievement, the reality on the ground in Sudan remains challenging; the fact that the Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) are still engaged in heavy fighting means that implementing the civilian agreement requires the willingness of both warring parties.
