Wagdi Saleh, leader of the Sudanese Forces of the Declaration of Principles, rejected an invitation from army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan to join a Sudanese dialogue [1].
The refusal signals a deepening rift between the military leadership and civilian political forces. This deadlock complicates efforts to establish a governance framework as the nation remains gripped by violent internal conflict.
Saleh said the invitation was a maneuver to cement the army's authority [1]. He said the proposed dialogue would reinforce the fragmentation of Sudan rather than resolve it [1].
According to Saleh, the process risks turning civilian forces into a party to the conflict [1]. He said the war can only end through direct negotiations between the army and the Rapid Support Forces [1].
Saleh said these negotiations must occur under the guidance of an anti-war Sudanese coalition [1]. He said the current approach offered by the military leadership would not lead to a sustainable peace [1].
“The invitation was a maneuver to cement the army's authority”
The rejection of the dialogue highlights the fundamental distrust between Sudan's military leadership and civilian opposition. By framing the invitation as a tactical move to legitimize military rule, the Forces of the Declaration of Principles are insisting that peace requires a negotiated settlement between the primary combatants rather than a civilian-led consultative process managed by the army.
