Background

The prospects for Sudan’s future are uncertain with the conflict raging in its third year. The past months have seen intense military escalations, including the fall of El-Fasher after an almost 18 month long siege by the Rapid Support Forces. Attempts to mediate a ceasefire by the so-called Quad initiative (US, Saudi Arabia, UAE and Egypt) have so far not been successful while a coalition of multilateral organisations is struggling to reinvigorate a political process.

Against this background, the Civil Democratic Alliance for Revolutionary Forces (Somoud) was formed in mid-2025 under the leadership of former Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok. Somoud is a coalition bringing together political parties, trade unions, professional associations, resistance committees, and civil society organizations committed to end the ongoing war in Sudan through a civilian Sudanese-led dialogue.

Format

On the occasion of the Somoud delegation’s visit to Germany led by His Excellency Abdalla Hamdok, the Berghof Foundation and the German Africa Foundation organised a roundtable discussion for a select group of civil society representatives, policymakers and officials to discuss civilian visions for advancing peace and stability in Sudan.

The delegation shared their perspectives on current challenges and opportunities for potential ways forward. The discussion was followed by an open exchange with participants.

The roundtable discussion was held as an in-person event in English under the Chatham House Rule.