Sudan at a critical juncture: Berlin conference offers a chance for convergence amid escalating conflict

Despite this, a window of opportunity has emerged for resolution. Middle powers previously involved in Sudan's war are now preoccupied with regional conflicts, yet remain engaged. The United States continues efforts for a humanitarian truce, and the United Nations has appointed a new envoy, contributing to renewed diplomatic energy.

These efforts converge at the international conference on Sudan in Berlin on April 15, which is seen as a crucial moment for Sudanese political coherence and international cooperation. The authors emphasize that Sudan's survival depends on its own actors achieving a minimum national consensus, prioritizing civilian protection and state survival over factional interests. This requires an immediate humanitarian truce, guaranteed humanitarian access, civilian protection, and a serious political pathway toward a civilian-led transition within an inclusive constitutional framework.

The international community must also improve coordination. The article warns that delay will lead to defeat, and the Berlin conference represents a critical dividing line for Sudan's future, dependent on the unity of purpose among Sudanese actors. Francis Deng PhD is a former UN Special Representative on Internally Displaced Persons, and Abdul Mohamed is a former senior UN official invol