A high-level delegation from Sudan’s Civilian Democratic Alliance for Revolutionary Forces, known as “Somoud,” has met with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa in Pretoria in a renewed push for an end to the war ravaging Sudan.
The group, led by former Sudanese Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok, appealed to South Africa for its diplomatic weight to halt a conflict that has displaced nearly 15 million people and devastated the country’s core infrastructure.
The meeting, which also included South African Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola, was attended by prominent Sudanese opposition figures, including Yasir Arman, head of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement–Revolutionary Democratic Current; Babikir Faisal, leader of the Unionist Alliance; former Cabinet Affairs Minister Omer Manis; and Somoud’s spokesman Bakry Eljack.
The delegation presented a case for what it described as a necessary “humanitarian ceasefire” and called on South Africa to mobilize support both within the African Union and the United Nations.
According to a statement, the Sudanese delegation pressed Ramaphosa to help “rally a unified effort to stop the conflict,” warning that the war is aimed at “dismantling the December Revolution and blocking the path to civilian democratic transition.” The December Revolution refers to the 2018–2019 civilian uprising that ousted former strongman Omar al-Bashir and set the stage for Sudan’s interrupted democratic transition.
President Ramaphosa responded with a strong expression of solidarity, stating, “The pursuit of peace is part of the African National Congress DNA,” and recalled Sudan’s historical backing of South Africa’s anti-apartheid struggle. He conveyed “deep sorrow over the destruction of Sudan” and said South Africa would commit its full diplomatic energy to ending the war.
The South African leader added that his government is in ongoing contact with both warring factions in Sudan, as well as regional and international actors. He emphasized that the cessation of violence must be accompanied by a continent-wide reconstruction strategy, noting that “valuable resources have been devastated and cannot easily be replaced.” Ramaphosa also acknowledged the presence of “foreign interference,” but remained resolute in his pledge to help Sudan return to peace.
El Fasher Faces Humanitarian Catastrophe
The appeal in Pretoria coincides with worsening conditions in El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur state, where a prolonged siege traps civilians. The city, currently surrounded by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), is experiencing severe shortages of food, cash, and essential services.
The El Fasher Resistance Committees Coordination issued an urgent plea for aid, warning of an impending collapse in living conditions.
“In light of this critical humanitarian situation, we are launching an urgent appeal for rapid… intervention to provide basic materials and find sustainable solutions that… ensure the survival of the population.”
El Fasher Resistance Committees Coordination
The RSF’s blockade of both commercial and humanitarian supply routes has crippled El Fasher’s already fragile economy. Local activists say the siege has created a scarcity of essential goods, with prices surging beyond what most residents can afford. Compounding the crisis is a drastic shortage of physical currency, which has rendered even basic transactions impossible for many households.
“Even with the availability of some goods, the lack of cash prevents citizens from buying, which exacerbates the humanitarian crisis,” the group added.
The Somoud delegation is expected to continue its visit in South Africa with meetings scheduled with leaders of coalition government parties and Sudanese anti-war groups. Their objective remains clear: rally broader African solidarity to end the war and support Sudan’s long-sought path toward democratic governance.
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