Khalid Omer Youssif, one of Sudan’s notable opposition figures and former minister, characterized the ongoing conflict in the North African country as a futile “war with no victors.” He highlighted the nation as the ultimate loser in this conflict and cautioned of the potential “dismantlement of the state” if the war persists.
Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat in an online interview, Youssif emphasized the urgent need for halting the conflict “immediately.”
Youssif, also a spokesman of Sudan’s political process, denounced claims that the country’s Forces of Freedom and Change (FFC) and civil signatories of the “Framework Agreement” were contributing to the conflict.
He rejected allegations directed at the FFC and civilian parties, labeling them as “falsehoods” propagated by members of the National Congress Party (NCP), established by Sudan's deposed leader, Omar al-Bashir, to conceal their involvement in initiating and perpetuating the conflict.
Youssif emphasized that the FFC was alert to the former regime’s efforts to create division between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and presented a political and negotiation-based solution to avoid armed conflict.
He added that the alliance had established a political agreement with the leadership of the army, RSF, and civilian forces to reform the security and military sectors. Youssif asserted that the FFC had pursued this objective, even up to the day before the outbreak of the fighting.
Youssif revealed that there is continued communication between the signatories of the Framework Agreement and the leadership of the army and the RSF.
The Sudanese spokesman stated that the “US-Saudi initiative has made significant progress in extending the ongoing humanitarian ceasefire and organizing a direct meeting to achieve a permanent end to hostilities, which will pave the way for a comprehensive political solution.”
He further mentioned that the FFC wholeheartedly supports this initiative as a genuine opportunity to bring an end to the war.
Youssif voiced his optimism for “a close end to the wretched war,” but also cautioned about “the collapse of the country.”
“We aspire and strive for an immediate end to the conflict, hopefully by today or tomorrow,” he said.
“This wretched war will ultimately lead to the country's downfall and ruin,” he warned.
“Our hope lies in the widespread popular rejection of the war and the realization that it is a losing battle for the nation, with no good outcome to be expected from it whatsoever,” explained Youssif.
According to Youssif, stopping the war is the “utmost priority” and should come before considering any other political options.
He also expressed confidence that the conflict has not shattered the Sudanese people’s aspirations for a democratic and civilian government.
