SUDANESE GROUPS MEET IN EGYPT TO DISCUSS ENDING WAR.

Cairo, Egypt.

 Sudanese political and civil society groups convened on Saturday in Egypt to explore solutions to the ongoing conflict in Sudan. Notably, the warring factions—the military and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF)—did not participate in the Egypt-sponsored conference.

Sudan has been in turmoil since April of the previous year when tensions between the military and the RSF erupted into widespread fighting, primarily in Khartoum and other regions. The conflict has resulted in over 14,000 deaths and 33,000 injuries, according to the United Nations, though activists believe the actual toll may be higher. It has also created the world’s largest displacement crisis, with more than 11 million people forced to flee their homes.

The UN warns that 755,000 people face imminent famine, and 8.5 million are experiencing severe food shortages. 

Saturday's meeting, held in Egypt’s New Administrative Capital, marks the latest attempt to end the conflict. Previous efforts, including US-Saudi mediated talks, have failed. Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty emphasized that any genuine solution must stem from a Sudanese-led vision.

The conference saw participation from various Sudanese groups, including an alliance of pro-democracy political parties led by former Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok, and leaders of Sudanese rebel groups such as Malik Agar of the Sudan Revolutionary Front and Gibril Ibrahim of the Justice and Equality Movement. Representatives from the Arab League, African Union, United Nations, European Union, and other nations were also in attendance.