The United States and a broad coalition of Western, African, and international partners on Monday, 8 June threw their collective weight behind a Sudanese-led political dialogue to begin within weeks, asserting that only a civilian-led transition can bring an end to Sudan's devastating civil war and restore lasting stability to the country.

Joint Statement from Addis Ababa

A joint statement issued following consultations in Addis Ababa was signed by the United States, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, the African Union (AU), the European Union (EU), the United Nations (UN), and other partners. The signatories declared they remain united in the conviction that 'there can be no military solution to this crisis' and called for an inclusive political process reflecting 'the aspirations of the Sudanese people'.

The statement followed consultations held by the Quintet — comprising the AU, Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), League of Arab States, EU, and UN — with Sudanese political stakeholders from 3–5 June in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Humanitarian Alarm and Ceasefire Demand

The coalition expressed deep alarm over the worsening humanitarian crisis gripping Sudan. 'We express deep concern over the devastating humanitarian consequences of the ongoing conflict, where millions face displacement, acute food insecurity, and limited access to basic services, while attacks on civilians and infrastructure persist,' the statement read.

The signatories stressed that 'the protection of civilians must remain central' and reiterated 'the urgent need for a humanitarian truce, leading to a permanent ceasefire.' The conflict, now well into its second year, has displaced millions and pushed large parts of the country toward famine conditions, according to international humanitarian agencies.

Berlin Principles and International Coordination

The joint statement welcomed outcomes from the Berlin Conference on Sudan held on 15 April, including the adoption of the 'Berlin Principles for Sudan' and a civilian stakeholders' declaration calling for an end to the war and the launch of a Sudanese-owned political process. Those initiatives, the statement said, helped strengthen international coordination and support for 'a civilian-led path towards a durable peaceful settlement.'

Proposed Dialogue: Timeline and Scope

The international partners endorsed plans by the Quintet to begin 'in the coming few weeks' a comprehensive civilian-led dialogue process involving a broad cross-section of Sudanese political and civil actors. The proposed dialogue would include representatives of civil society, women's groups, youth organisations, and stakeholders reflecting Sudan's geographic and social diversity.

The process is expected to be transparent, credible, and free from coercion. The signatories expressed hope that the dialogue could be concluded 'ideally within six months' and lead to 'a clear pathway toward a transition process to an independent civilian-led government, grounded in legitimacy, accountability, and respect for human rights.' They described the establishment of such a government as 'indispensable to ensuring a durable end to the conflict.'

Warning Against Spoilers

Notably, the statement included a pointed warning: 'appropriate measures will be considered by the international community against those who seek to undermine the civilian transition process.' The language signals that the coalition is prepared to consider targeted consequences — potentially sanctions or diplomatic isolation — for actors who obstruct the civilian track. This comes amid ongoing fighting between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), with neither side having agreed to a lasting ceasefire.

The next critical test will be whether the Quintet can convene a credible dialogue within its stated timeframe and whether key Sudanese factions agree to participate without preconditions.