AU Chairperson Calls for Urgent Ceasefire at Third International Sudan Conference in Berlin
As the conflict in Sudan enters its fourth year, the international community has gathered in Berlin for the Third International Sudan Conference to address one of the world’s most severe humanitarian crises. African Union (AU) Commission Chairperson H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf has issued a stark warning: the world cannot afford to forget Sudan.
A Plea for Coordinated Action and a Ceasefire
Speaking at the conference on April 15, 2026, Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf emphasized that an immediate ceasefire is the essential first step to ending the immense suffering of the Sudanese people. He urged the international community to intensify efforts to secure a cessation of hostilities, noting that the magnitude of destruction and the crimes committed in the country are well-known.
Youssouf expressed deep concern over the lack of media coverage and the shift of global attention toward conflicts in the Middle East, which he believes risks marginalizing the crisis in Sudan. He called for “stronger coherence” among international mediation efforts, warning that fragmented initiatives could undermine potential progress toward peace.
The Role of the ‘Quintet’ and Civilian Engagement
The conference is supported by the “Quintet”—a diplomatic group consisting of the African Union, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development, the League of Arab States, the European Union, and the United Nations. In a joint statement, the Quintet reaffirmed its commitment to facilitating an inclusive, Sudanese-owned political dialogue to end the war and establish a peaceful political transition.
A key feature of the 2026 Berlin conference is the Civilian and Political Seminar. The Quintet has convened a diverse group of participants, including professional, women, youth, and political networks, to ensure that Sudanese civilian perspectives are elevated during these critical diplomatic discussions.
Key Priorities for the International Community
- Immediate De-escalation: Reducing violence to prevent further suffering and the destruction of critical national infrastructure.
- Humanitarian Access: Ensuring full, safe, rapid, and sustained access to assistance for all those in necessitate.
- Unified Approach: Aligning international partners behind a Sudanese-led and Sudanese-owned political process.
- Sustained Support: Revitalizing global attention and financial support for humanitarian aid.
The Current State of the Crisis
The civil war in Sudan has spiraled into a catastrophic situation characterized by widespread violence against civilians and an increasing risk of national fragmentation. These factors have driven mass displacement and deepened humanitarian needs across the region. The Berlin conference, which drew approximately a dozen foreign ministers and more than 60 delegations, serves as a critical moment to reinforce international engagement and call for an end to the fighting.
- Urgency: The AU Chairperson views a ceasefire as the only viable path to stability.
- Diplomacy: The Quintet is pushing for a political transition owned by Sudanese citizens, not external powers.
- Risk: Fragmented international mediation and a lack of media attention are primary obstacles to progress.
Looking Forward
While the Third International Sudan Conference provides a platform for de-escalation, the Quintet has clarified that the event is not an endpoint. The goal remains a long-term, inclusive political process that reflects the full diversity of Sudanese civilian and political voices to ensure lasting peace and stability in the region.