The Civil Democratic Forces (Tagadom) alliance, led by former Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok, has launched a five-day leadership conference in Entebbe, Uganda. This marks the first meeting since Tagadom’s founding conference in May.
Spokesperson Bakri El Jak told Radio Dabanga that the primary focus of the meeting is addressing urgent humanitarian issues, including civilian protection, as the ongoing crisis demands immediate solutions. With over 11 million displaced people and more than half of Sudan’s population at risk of hunger, El Jak emphasized that waiting for ceasefire negotiations is no longer viable.
El Jak also highlighted the importance of political discussions, with a roundtable set to address the creation of a unified political vision. The Civil Democratic Forces, comprising 17 political and civil society groups, is the largest bloc in Sudan working to halt the war.
Formed in October 2023, Tagadom includes members from the Forces for Freedom and Change-Central Council (FFC-CC), various civil society organizations, and former rebel groups.
In a press statement, Hamdok described the meeting as pivotal for discussing critical issues, including the humanitarian crisis, the protection of civilians, and the delivery of aid both domestically and to refugee areas. He expressed hope that the roundtable discussions will help align viewpoints and create a unified approach.
Hamdok also clarified that halting the war and ending it are distinct processes. “Stopping the war requires a ceasefire, while ending the war involves a political process,” he said.
The leadership conference will continue for five days, concluding with recommendations on the future of the alliance, a unified political process, civilian protection, and aid delivery.