Umma Party Leader Demands Code Of Conduct Before Peace Talks

Khartoum, August 17, 2026 - National Umma Party deputy leader Mariam al-Sadiq al-Mahdi called for a binding code of conduct between military leaders and civilian groups before any internal peace talks, arguing that trust-building is essential to credible negotiations.

Her position followed Abdel Fattah al-Burhan's offer of immunity from prosecution and security guarantees for participants in planned internal consultations. Mahdi said such assurances would be insufficient without concrete measures to rebuild confidence between the armed forces and the public.

She said preliminary steps should include dropping politically motivated criminal charges, ending military presence in urban centers, halting incitement, and guaranteeing freedom of movement. The National Umma Party has itself fractured during the war, with rival blocs aligning with the army, the Rapid Support Forces, or remaining neutral.

Mahdi also warned that international mediation involving the United Nations, African Union, European Union, IGAD, and the Arab League would remain limited without a clearer mandate and stronger coordination.

The demand highlights a core obstacle for Sudan's transition prospects: civilian parties are seeking enforceable safeguards before entering a process dominated by armed actors, while the war continues to erode institutional credibility.