Sudanese groups call for Ramadan truce and prisoner exchange

February 18, 2026 (KHARTOUM) – Sudanese civil and political forces on Wednesday called on the leadership of the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces to declare an immediate and comprehensive humanitarian truce for the start of the holy month of Ramadan.

The groups also demanded the release of all detained civilians and the initiation of prisoner exchange arrangements under international supervision.

The signatories include prominent political parties, including the National Umma Party, the Sudanese Congress Party, the Popular Congress Party, and the Unionist Alliance. They were joined by nationalist, Nasserite, and Ba’athist parties, the Sudanese National Alliance, trade unions, professional organizations, Resistance Committee coordination bodies, and civil forces within the Somoud coalition.

The call comes as the war in Sudan, which began in April 2023, continues to inflict an unprecedented toll on the country’s humanitarian, health, and economic sectors. Millions have been displaced internally or fled abroad, while essential services have collapsed amid repeated UN warnings of a deepening catastrophe.

In a joint memorandum issued today, the forces stated that the call for a truce aligns with the spirit of mercy and solidarity embodied by Ramadan. They noted that the conflict has persisted for more than 1,000 days, leaving millions of Sudanese in profound suffering. The initiative, they said, stems from a “moral and national responsibility” toward those affected by the conflict.

The memorandum highlighted that the war has resulted in massive loss of life, widespread destruction of infrastructure, and a humanitarian crisis that ranks among the largest in the world. Civilians, particularly women, children, and the elderly, have paid the highest price through displacement, hunger, and disease.

The signatory forces called for a humanitarian truce to begin at the start of Ramadan, including a cessation of hostilities and the protection of residential areas and vital facilities. They further demanded the opening of safe and sustainable corridors for the unhindered delivery of aid.

Such measures would enable national and international humanitarian organizations to perform their duties effectively, the statement added.

Additionally, the groups called for the immediate and unconditional release of all civilians detained by the warring parties, regardless of political or military considerations. They urged an urgent start to prisoner exchange arrangements overseen by specialized international organizations to ensure compliance with international humanitarian law.

The memorandum emphasized the need to establish clear implementation and monitoring mechanisms. It argued that a truce must be accompanied by effective oversight to ensure commitment and to prevent the exploitation of the pause for military purposes.

The groups concluded that responding to these demands is a vital step toward alleviating civilian suffering and creating an environment conducive to peace efforts.