Sudan’s Hamdok pushes for political solution, warns against new government
June 8, 2025 (MARRAKESH, Morocco) – A Sudanese civilian delegation led by former Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok has urged the international community to support a political-only solution to Sudan’s crisis, warning that attempts by the rival Port Sudan authority to form a government will only prolong the war.
The delegation from the “Smoud” civil alliance delivered its message during more than 14 meetings at the Mo Ibrahim Foundation’s Governance Week in Marrakesh, which took place from June 1-3, according to a report issued by the group. The delegation, which included prominent figures Yasir Arman, Omer Manis and Bakry Eljack, argued that “A credible political process is the only way forward”.
“Any attempt by the ‘Port Sudan authority’ to form a government and establish new legitimacy would only prolong the war,” the delegation warned, urging the international community “not to fall into this trap”.
During its meetings, the alliance, which describes itself as the largest civil coalition seeking to stop the war, also cautioned against efforts to reinstate Sudan’s membership in the African Union under the current circumstances.
The delegation’s stance follows a May 20 welcome by the African Union and the United Nations for the appointment of Kamel Idris as prime minister under a plan that the military-led government says is aimed at restoring civilian rule.
In a move to build a unified front, the Smoud delegation held extensive meetings with Abdel Wahid al-Nur, leader of the Sudan Liberation Movement. The two sides agreed to activate a “Joint Committee for the Broad Front” to unify civil forces.
The delegation’s efforts successfully elevated the Sudanese crisis on the forum’s agenda, prompting extensive remarks from attendees, including the British Foreign Secretary, the UN Deputy Secretary-General, and the former head of the African Union Commission.
The civilian group also highlighted Sudan’s humanitarian catastrophe, appealing for a rapid international response to support citizens suffering from the war and the spread of disease.
The ongoing conflict is fuelling a severe humanitarian crisis. Famine is emerging, and cholera is spreading among a population where an estimated 13 million people have been forced to flee their homes. Of those displaced, 4 million have escaped into neighbouring countries.