RSF-backed coalition boycotts UN, AU peace consultations in Addis Ababa

JULY 31, 2026 (NYALA) — An alliance of Sudanese political groups aligned with the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces declined an invitation to join peace consultations in Addis Ababa on Saturday, citing procedural flaws.

The Founding Sudan Coalition, known as Tasis, joined a growing list of factions boycotting the consultations, including the anti-war Somoud coalition led by former Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok and the Sudan Liberation Movement led by Abdel Wahid al-Nur.

The consultations are facilitated by a diplomatic mechanism comprising the African Union, United Nations, European Union, Arab League, and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development. The mechanism aims to bring rival factions together to establish a civilian-led political transition.

Tasis spokesman Ahmed Togod Lisan said the group declined to attend the second exploratory round regarding a preparatory committee, calling for a “comprehensive review” of how mediators determine participant inclusion and structure the talks.

Despite the boycott, Lisan expressed support for international mediation efforts and requested a direct meeting with the mechanism to align on parameters for future dialogue.

Other political factions, including the Democratic Block coalition, chose to participate in the current round of talks in Ethiopia.