Sudan civilian bloc urges UN envoy to ensure neutral, inclusive peace track

September 12, 2026 (CAIRO) — Leaders of Sudan’s civilian alliance ‘Somoud’ held talks in Cairo on Saturday with UN personal envoy Pekka Haavisto, demanding that international efforts to halt the country’s civil war respect Sudanese civilian ownership.

The meeting reviewed recent diplomatic efforts to end the fighting, with Haavisto briefing the coalition on a recent visit to Khartoum by a five-nation diplomatic grouping known as the Quintet.

The Quintet brings together the United States, Britain, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and the United Arab Emirates to mediate an end to the devastating war.

Somoud, headed by former Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok, welcomed diplomatic moves to stop hostilities but warned mediator nations against imposing their own blueprints on Sudan’s political future.

The coalition insisted the international role should remain limited to facilitation, arguing that any transition framework must be hammered out through consensus among Sudanese civilian forces.

The bloc dismissed consultations recently launched by Sudan’s military-led government, arguing that no meaningful dialogue can occur under an environment dictated by one side while fighting rages.

Instead, the alliance called for three simultaneous tracks: unhindered humanitarian access, a comprehensive ceasefire, and a transparent political process.

Haavisto reiterated that the conflict cannot be resolved militarily, urging an immediate end to hostilities to safeguard civilians and allow aid deliveries.

The UN envoy added that the Quintet would keep consulting Somoud and other political actors to build consensus on structuring peace negotiations.