Faith Nyasuguta
In a diplomatic move, the United States, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Egypt have unveiled a sweeping new roadmap to end Sudan’s brutal conflict, saying it takes effect immediately. Announced on Friday, the plan calls for a three-month humanitarian truce, a permanent ceasefire and a nine-month transition to civilian-led governance – a sequence designed to stop the fighting and revive the democratic hopes crushed since Sudan’s 2021 military coup.
Foreign ministers of the four countries declared in a joint statement that “there is no viable military solution to the conflict” and warned that the status quo creates unacceptable suffering and risks to peace and security.
Their unusually blunt message highlights the urgency of the crisis. Since April 2023, the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), commanded by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), led by Mohamed Hamdan “Hemedti” Dagalo, have turned parts of Sudan into rival fiefdoms. The war has displaced over 10 million people, devastated Darfur and triggered acute food shortages.
The roadmap’s rollout begins with an immediate pause in hostilities. After the three-month truce, the parties are expected to enter a permanent ceasefire and then prepare a handover to civilian rule. Mediators are urging both the army and RSF to comply, noting that earlier ceasefires – including a UN-backed initiative in June – collapsed under mutual suspicion and ongoing offensives.
This time, the mediators’ leverage is seen as stronger. Egypt and Saudi Arabia have long-standing ties to the Sudanese army, while the UAE has been accused of favoring the RSF – allegations it denies but which give it potential influence.
The plan also bars Islamist groups, including the Muslim Brotherhood, from taking part in the transition, reflecting concerns about extremist influence. In parallel, Washington announced sanctions on Sudan’s finance minister, Jibril Ibrahim, and the Baraa Ibn-Malik Brigade, a militia aligned with the army. The U.S. Treasury said the measures aim to limit Islamist sway and curb Iran’s regional activities through Sudan.
Analysts say the roadmap represents the most coordinated international push yet to end Sudan’s war. But success hinges on both factions accepting that outside sponsors will not bankroll endless fighting. If the plan collapses, mediators warn, Sudan could slide into deeper fragmentation and the conflict may spill further across regional borders, drawing in neighbors already struggling with refugees and insecurity.
For ordinary Sudanese enduring shelling, hunger and displacement, the roadmap offers at least a glimmer of relief – and a chance for the country’s long-promised return to civilian rule.
RELATED:
