Mariam al-Mahdi calls for trust-building charter ahead of Sudan talks

August 16, 2026 (KHARTOUM) – A senior Sudanese political leader has called for a binding code of conduct between military leaders and civilian groups before any proposed internal peace talks can take place.

Mariam al-Sadiq al-Mahdi, deputy leader of the prominent National Umma Party, said in a podcast interview that rebuilding trust between the armed forces and the public was essential for meaningful dialogue.

Her remarks follow an announcement by army chief and Sovereign Council leader Abdel Fattah al-Burhan offering immunity from prosecution and security guarantees for participants in planned internal consultations.

Mahdi said confidence-building measures must include dropping politically motivated criminal charges, ending military presence in urban centres, halting incitement, and guaranteeing freedom of movement.

Sudan’s military has been engaged in a devastating conflict with the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) since April 2023, causing widespread displacement and severe humanitarian conditions.

The National Umma Party has faced internal fracturing during the war, with rival factions aligning with either the military or the RSF, while a third faction has remained neutral.

Mahdi, who recently took part in diplomatic consultations with an international body comprising the United Nations, African Union, European Union, IGAD, and the Arab League, cautioned that external mediation efforts remain limited without a clearer mandate and structured coordination among international partners.