Sudanese opposition rejects General al-Burhan's national dialogue proposal

Sudanese political parties and civil society groups have rejected a proposal for a national dialogue initiated by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, head of the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF). Following a meeting in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, representatives from the National Congress Party, the Umma Movement, the Summud pacifist coalition, and various civil society organizations issued a joint statement declaring they will not participate in or recognize the conclusions of the proposed dialogue.

The opposition argues that the initiative is a tactical move to legitimize military authority and consolidate power rather than a genuine effort to end the conflict between the SAF and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Critics, including former Prime Minister Abdallah Hamdok, emphasized that no credible process can occur without a cessation of hostilities. There are also concerns that the dialogue could lead to the de facto partition of the country.

In place of the military-led initiative, the groups proposed a peace roadmap focused on three pillars: establishing an emergency humanitarian corridor, securing a permanent ceasefire, and implementing governance defined by civil society. The political impasse coincides with a deepening economic collapse and a severe humanitarian crisis, characterized by widespread famine and mass displacement.