Neutral Darfur rebel group proposes ceasefire, civilian government to end Sudan war
August 22, 2025 (KHARTOUM) – The Sudan Liberation Movement led by Abdul Wahid al-Nur (SLM-AW), a Darfur rebel group that has remained neutral in Sudan’s civil war, proposed a roadmap on Thursday to end the conflict, calling for an immediate ceasefire and the formation of an interim civilian government.
In a statement marking its 24th anniversary, the group, which has refused to back either the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) or the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), laid out a two-phased plan to address both the current fighting and its root causes.
The proposal comes as the war, now in its third year, has spiralled into one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises. More than 12 million people have been internally displaced, and another two million have fled to neighbouring countries, according to the United Nations. Aid agencies have repeatedly warned that millions face starvation.
The plan’s first phase calls for an “unconditional ceasefire” and the immediate opening of humanitarian corridors. It also proposes the formation of a “broad civilian front” of anti-war groups that would establish an “interim revolutionary government” to manage the state.
The second phase centres on a comprehensive “Sudanese-Sudanese dialogue” to address foundational national issues.
This national dialogue would aim to establish a secular, democratic state, create a new social contract, and ensure accountability for war crimes, including handing over suspects wanted by international courts, the statement said.
Key goals also include drafting a new constitution and reforming the military into a single, professional national army. The process would culminate in a transitional government, agreed upon by all parties to the dialogue, which would oversee reconstruction and prepare the country for future elections.
The SLM-AW refused to participate in the Juba peace process, in which other armed groups who fought the former regime negotiated an agreement with Abdallah Hamdok’s transitional government.