US-Led Coalition Endorses AU-Backed Sudanese Civilian-Led Dialogue Under Quintet

A US-led coalition endorsed the launch of a Sudanese civilian-led dialogue process under a quintet of the AU, IGAD, League of Arab States, EU and the UN, saying it should begin within weeks and culminate in an independent civilian-led transitional authority.

The planned talks were backed by the United States, several partner countries and international organisations, and were expected to begin in the coming weeks under a five-party mechanism aimed at restoring civilian governance after prolonged conflict.

African Union

Political Scientist and Conflict Resolution Analyst Dr David Matsanga said the move towards dialogue is a positive development, but warned that success depends on addressing immediate security concerns and beginning any civilian-led transition with a comprehensive ceasefire between the warring factions.

Matsanga said it would be unrealistic to pursue political negotiations while fighting continues on the ground, noting that sustained violence undermines the conditions needed for inclusive dialogue.

He added that meaningful progress would require both military leaders to come to the negotiating table and agree to halt hostilities, with humanitarian displacement, food insecurity and high casualty figures described as major obstacles to political transition.

After consultations in Addis Ababa from June 3 to 5, the coalition said, “We stand united in our belief that there can be no military solution to this crisis,” and called for a durable settlement anchored in a credible and inclusive transition free from domination by armed actors.

In a joint statement issued after the Addis Ababa talks, signatories also reaffirmed the urgent need for a humanitarian truce leading to a permanent ceasefire, while warning that obstruction of the civilian transition process could trigger coordinated international measures.

African Union

Dr David Matsanga said any attempt to establish a civilian-led transition must begin with a comprehensive ceasefire between the warring factions, adding that without a ceasefire and direct engagement between the generals, efforts to form a civilian government risk failing before they gain momentum.

The Capital FM Kenya report said President William Ruto of Kenya has repeatedly criticised both the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), arguing that neither faction can deliver a sustainable political solution.

Ruto dismissed allegations that Kenya is aligned with either side, insisting that Nairobi’s role is focused on facilitating dialogue and maintaining neutral political space for Sudanese actors.

The joint statement backed by the Quintet framework said the dialogue process should be transparent, credible and free from coercion, and described an intention to conclude it “ideally within six months” to lead to a clear pathway toward an independent civilian-led government.

It also warned that the international community could consider “appropriate measures” against those who seek to undermine the civilian transition process, while emphasizing that Sudan’s future governance is for Sudanese people to decide through an independent, inclusive and transparent civilian-led transition process.

Channel Africa quoted Matsanga emphasizing that a broader framework must include reconciliation, accountability and inclusive participation, and that civil society groups and pressure organisations have a role to play depending on access to key actors.

The Capital FM Kenya report said the consultations build on outcomes from the Berlin Conference on Sudan held on April 15, where international partners endorsed the “Berlin Principles for Sudan” and supported a Sudanese-owned roadmap to end the war.

It further said the coalition expressed alarm at the deteriorating humanitarian situation, with millions displaced and growing food insecurity amid continued fighting and repeated attacks on civilian infrastructure.