On the sidelines of the preparatory meeting for the Sudanese – Sudanese Dialogue, convened by the Quintet Mechanism in Addis Ababa from 3 to 5June 2026, a delegation of the Sudan Liberation Movement/Army (SLM/A) met with a delegation of Popular Congress Party (PCP) against the backdrop of Sudan’s complex historical trajectory, which shaped by decades of political and military instability, Upon which the prolonged root causes of the country’s crisis was formulated that, clearly manifested in the structure of state institutions, imbalances in the distribution of power, and the cumulative effects of the systematic historical marginalization of the Sudanese people.
The two delegations reviewed a series of previous meetings and dialogues, which underscored that Sudan’s crisis is not the product of a temporary circumstance, but rather the result of long- standing historical failures and transformations. Hence they emphasized that addressing these issues requires courage, clarity, and transparency in order to achieve comprehensive and genuine change, move beyond piecemeal solutions, and work toward a historic settlement capable of bringing the cycle of wars to a definitive end.
Both delegations reaffirmed their commitment to the principle of comprehensive peace as a strategic option for addressing the root causes of the conflict through an inclusive and transparent Sudanese-Sudanese dialogue. Such a process should be based on broad national participation, while excluding the National Congress Party and its affiliates from the dialogue process. Moreover, they also expressed support for the efforts of anti-war civilian forces seeking an immediate cessation of the ongoing war through serious political mechanisms capable of rebuild trust and paving the way for a genuine and stable democratic transition.
However, the meeting represents a step within broader efforts to reshape Sudan’s political landscape and reaffirm the imperative of ending the war. Achieving this objective requires a comprehensive national consensus grounded in the acknowledgment of past mistakes, the confrontation of present challenges, and the development of a vision for building the future.
Thus the meeting concluded with an agreement to strengthen communication between the Sudan Liberation Movement/Army and the Popular Congress Party in order to continue discussions on issues of mutual concern and their evolving relationship.
The session was held in an atmosphere characterized by mutual respect and appreciation between the two sides. At the same time the participants reaffirmed the spirit of cooperation and understanding that has consistently characterized their engagement during previous workshops and conferences.
The talks commenced with a review of the outcomes of previous meetings, the most recent of which was a virtual meeting between Dr. Ali Al-Haj, Secretary-General of the Popular Congress Party, and Comrade Abdul Wahid Mohammed Ahmed Al-Nour, Chairman of the Sudan Liberation Movement/Army.
Both parties emphasized the depth of their relationship and their ongoing engagement aimed at expanding consultations and resolving outstanding issues. They also reaffirmed their shared commitment to addressing unresolved matters and confronting the major crises facing the country, particularly the devastating war that erupted on 15 April 2023, as well as the longstanding historical conflicts that have debilitated the state institutions and displaced millions of Sudanese men and women both internally and across borders, forcing many into shelters, displaced camps and exile.
Consequently, the deliberations endorsed the outcomes of previous rounds of talks and reviewed ongoing dialogue on outstanding issues with the aim of reaching consensus. The participants emphasized the importance of continued engagement in pursuit of agreements that serve the best interests of the nation and its civilian Populations.
In addition to, the participants discussed the Declaration of Principles for Building a New Nation as well as the memorandum submitted by political and civilian forces opposed to the war, which designated the National Congress Party and its affiliated organs as a terrorist organization during the first and second Nairobi meetings. Whereas the Popular Congress Party delegation explained the reasons for its non-participation in those meetings and affirmed its agreement with most of the provisions contained in the Declaration of Principles, while expressing reservations regarding certain aspects thereof. The delegation further emphasized that issues on which differences remain will continue to be subject to more discussion and examination during forthcoming meetings between the two parties, with a view to reaching consensus.
In conclusion, the two parties agreed to continue holding regular meetings, whether virtually or in person whenever feasible, in order to reach common ground on major national issues and further develop shared understandings in a manner that serves the interests of the nation and its civilians.
Delegation of the Sudan Liberation Movement/Army
Delegation of the Popular Congress Party
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
5 June 2026
