Sudan cannot afford to dismiss a chance for dialogue

More than three years into the conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), Sudan is in urgent need of a political settlement. A committee of 19 Sudanese public figures, led by Qasim Badri, has launched an initiative to prepare for a national dialogue, implementing confidence-building measures such as lifting legal restrictions and granting temporary legal protections to participants. The initiative faces strong opposition from the civilian coalition Sumoud and Ta’sis, who fear it could legitimize General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan's authority and deepen divisions. The committee states its role is to facilitate conditions for direct engagement among Sudanese political actors without negotiating the country's future.