The Berlin Conference has revealed a draft political document intended to expedite the political settlement in Sudan, following three years of bloody conflict in the country. The document, obtained by Al Jazeera Net, urges Sudanese civil forces and stakeholders to launch a collective call for de-escalation and to promote dialogue among the various parties involved.
The document seeks to formulate a shared understanding of civilian transition arrangements and the future of governance, emphasizing the necessity for the political process to be Sudanese-led. This comes as a preparatory meeting is being held in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa, with the participation of 40 individuals representing political and civil forces, at the invitation of the five-member mechanism sponsoring the Berlin Conference.
Event Details
The Berlin Conference is scheduled for mid-April and aims to mobilize humanitarian support for those affected by the war in Sudan, in addition to pushing efforts for resolving the crisis. The draft document calls for de-escalation and violence reduction, adopting coordinated efforts to prevent the conflict from spreading to new areas, and curbing hate speech.
Furthermore, the document advocates for a clear and inclusive political pathway to address the crisis, enhancing dialogue among Sudanese parties to build a mutual understanding regarding civilian transition arrangements. Participants stress the importance of any political pathway being grounded in the rule of law and respect for fundamental rights.
Background & Context
These efforts come amid escalating conflict in Sudan, where the Sudanese government continues to express its rejection of the Berlin Conference, citing its exclusion from the invitation list. The Sudanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed that Sudan's mission in Geneva conveyed the government's rejection of the conference to the heads of international and humanitarian organizations.
Simultaneously, some political forces have expressed concern over the lack of balance in the list of invitees to the conference, arguing that the invitations extended to certain factions that supported the war raise questions about the credibility of the political arrangements. Additionally, some political alliances have announced their boycott of the conference due to inadequate representation.
Impact & Consequences
The document anticipates that dialogue efforts will lead to sustainable peace and stability, reiterating the need for the resolution of the crisis to be Sudanese-owned and led. It also proposes adopting a phased and multi-track process to build consensus among civil actors.
On the other hand, the Sudanese government's stance towards the conference reflects tension in relations with the international community, as the government seeks to assert its sovereignty and the independence of its people. Some officials have expressed their willingness to engage in any sincere endeavor to end the war, provided that national sovereignty is respected.
Regional Significance
The Sudanese crisis represents a significant challenge not only for Sudan but for the Arab region as a whole. The continuation of the conflict could exacerbate humanitarian conditions and increase the flow of refugees to neighboring countries. Moreover, any successful political settlement could contribute to regional stability and enhance cooperation among Arab states.
In conclusion, hope remains pinned on the Berlin Conference to achieve progress towards resolving the Sudanese crisis, but this requires a genuine commitment from all concerned parties.