Sudan’s Democratic Bloc holds talks on political process
October 5, 2025 (PORT SUDAN) – A key Sudanese political coalition began internal talks on Sunday to unify its vision for a national dialogue, just as uncertainty clouds a broader African Union-led peace initiative scheduled for this week.
The Forces of Freedom and Change – Democratic Bloc (FFC-DB), a major pro-army coalition, is holding a two-day workshop in Port Sudan, organized by the French mediation organization Promediation.
The workshop aims to define the parameters of a future Sudanese-led dialogue, including its participants, location, and the role of international mediation, according to bloc spokesman Mohammed Zakaria.
Leaders of the coalition stressed the need for a unified internal front. Minni Arko Minnawi, head of the bloc’s political committee, said joint action between civilian and military leaders was essential for stability.
The bloc’s deputy chairman, Mohammed al-Amin Turk, criticized numerous foreign interventions, arguing they undermine the potential for a national consensus.
“The approach of imposing proposals does not lead to solutions,” Turk said, calling on international mediators to respect Sudan’s sovereignty. “The international community can be supportive, but not an actor in our national issues.”
He added that any mediation would struggle to resolve the crisis unless it “compels the aggressor party to stop its aggression.”
The internal talks come as ambiguity surrounds a wider consultation planned by the African Union (AU) from October 6-10. On September 23, the FFC-DB submitted a list of preconditions for its participation to the AU, demanding clarity on the agenda, funding, and the exclusion of a parallel government formed by the “Tasis” alliance.
Other factions have also raised objections. Press reports indicate the “Sumud” civil alliance has opposed the inclusion of groups allied with the former regime. Sumud has called for the AU talks to be postponed until a preparatory committee can be formed, insisting that independent, pro-army civilian forces must be included to achieve a lasting peace.