Sudan Ambassador: Peace Starts with Disarming Militias

“These militias (the Rapid Support Forces) must be disarmed.”

“We are also grateful to Türkiye, which has welcomed and supported this initiative.”

Sudan’s Ambassador to Ankara, Nadir Yousif Eltayeb, stated that the first step of the peace initiative submitted by the Sudanese government to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) is a ceasefire and the disarmament of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). He explained that the initiative would then continue with reconciliation and rehabilitation, and ultimately conclude with fair and free elections.

Ambassador Eltayeb shared his assessment with an AA correspondent regarding the latest developments in Sudan and the initiative submitted to the UNSC by Sudanese Prime Minister Kamil Idris to bring peace to the country.

Eltayeb said the peace initiative presented by Prime Minister Idris to the UNSC represents the government’s position on peace and its vision for achieving lasting peace in Sudan, adding that the initiative is also in line with the roadmap announced by the government in 2025.

He noted that the initiative and the roadmap are complementary to the “Jeddah Declaration” signed under the mediation of the United States and Saudi Arabia, emphasizing that the main focus and starting point is achieving a ceasefire in the country.

Stressing that any potential ceasefire should be monitored and overseen by the United Nations, the African Union, and the Arab League, Eltayeb said, “These militias (the Rapid Support Forces) must be disarmed.”

Eltayeb stated that in the second phase, attention would be given to the possibility of reintegrating individuals who have not committed crimes into the armed forces or back into society under a Disarmament, Demobilization, and Reintegration (DDR) program.

He added that the subsequent step could address the safe return of internally displaced persons and refugees currently inside Sudan or in neighboring countries, and that ensuring humanitarian aid access throughout the country would follow—also to be observed by the African Union, the UN, and the Arab League.

“Work must be done on the social fabric damaged by the war”

Highlighting the importance of reconciliation, Eltayeb said the social fabric has been severely damaged by the war that has lasted for more than two years, and that some RSF members could be included in inter-tribal reconciliation processes.

Emphasizing the importance of restoring public services such as healthcare and education, Eltayeb assessed that this process could help rebuild trust between society and RSF members who did not commit crimes during the war.

Finally, Eltayeb spoke about the rehabilitation phase, noting that regional and global conferences on peacebuilding could be organized, and that participation should be inclusive, ranging from political parties to civil society organizations.

He said this would help establish a roadmap for the post-war period, adding: “The final step will be the organization of inclusive, free, and fair elections. We will give opportunities to all political parties, forces, and even such military movements. Military movements will transform into political parties.”

Eltayeb said the election process could also be monitored by the UN, the African Union, and the Arab League.

“We are grateful to Türkiye for supporting the peace initiative”

Eltayeb stated that the peace initiative has been welcomed by the African Union and the Arab League, saying, “We are also grateful to Türkiye, which has welcomed and supported this initiative. Even in New York, Türkiye’s Permanent Representative to the UN (Ahmet Yıldız) provided strong support, and we are truly thankful.”

He added that the peace initiative would soon make positive and tangible contributions.

Asked whether the RSF had taken any stance on the initiative, Eltayeb said the RSF had not welcomed it internally and had not issued any official response or statement.

Eltayeb noted that they have received positive feedback from political parties and civil society organizations in Sudan, adding that these actors welcomed the initiative and believe it could seriously help resolve the crisis in the near future.

He said the Sudanese army has made good progress in the Kordofan region and that the situation in Khartoum is also good, but that the RSF has attempted to attack Khartoum as well as cities, towns, and even infrastructure in northern Sudan.

Eltayeb stated that the RSF attempted to target electricity facilities with drones a few days earlier, damaging one power facility.

“The civilian government is fully in Khartoum”

Eltayeb said the civilian government moved from Port Sudan to Khartoum this week, that all ministers are now in the capital and have begun working there, and that approximately 1.5 million people have returned to Khartoum from Egypt and other parts of Sudan.

Noting that life in Khartoum is continuing positively, Eltayeb said, “The return of the government will encourage and support civilians to return to Khartoum as well.”

He added that security forces are doing an excellent job ensuring security in Khartoum, saying, “Electricity was the main sector that suffered damage. They are currently working to restore power.”

Eltayeb said he believes they will be able to restore 100 percent of electricity by June.

Emphasizing that Sudan Sovereignty Council Chairman Abdel Fattah al-Burhan’s visit to Türkiye on 25 December 2025 was very successful, Eltayeb said Burhan wanted to thank President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan for Türkiye’s political and humanitarian assistance to Sudan over the past two years.

“Burhan’s visit was very successful”

Expressing gratitude to Türkiye, Eltayeb said, “We believe Türkiye wants to see a stable and strong Sudan. It opposes any attempt to divide or destabilize Sudan and has become a true ally for Sudan during this period. This visit was very successful.”

He said President Erdoğan reaffirmed that Türkiye would continue its assistance and support to preserve Sudan’s territorial integrity, and noted that Türkiye continues to help expand humanitarian aid to the Sudanese people.

Eltayeb also underlined that the Sudanese government is grateful for Türkiye’s embassy in Khartoum continuing its operations in Port Sudan, adding that Ziraat Bank has reopened in Port Sudan and that the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) has begun implementing projects.

“Israel’s recognition of Somaliland is an attempt to fragment countries in the region”

Commenting on Israel’s decision to recognize Somaliland as an “independent and sovereign state,” Eltayeb said, “This step by Israel is very dangerous and very serious. We condemn it, and the Sudanese government has rejected it. We believe this is a sign and indication that Israel is working to fragment countries in the region by using all means. This is not a coincidence; it has long been planned by Israel with other partners outside Yemen and Sudan.”

Eltayeb said Israel plans to fragment the entire region and would have no problem recognizing one side in any region where a separatist movement exists, adding, “(Regarding the possibility of Israel recognizing the RSF) I think they could do this and even encourage it. This is their policy and approach. Israel currently recognizes Somaliland despite it not being recognized by the African Union, the Arab League, or other organizations. Israel does this knowingly to weaken countries in the region.”