The political initiative launched by the foreign ministers of the United States, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt to address Sudan’s crisis has received broad support from Sudanese civil society, alongside strong backing from regional and international blocs. Many civic groups and political parties described the plan as a realistic roadmap to end the war that has raged since April 2023 and plunged the country into the world’s worst humanitarian disaster.
Civilian and Regional Endorsement
The Quartet’s proposal calls for a three-month nationwide humanitarian cease-fire to allow aid delivery, followed by a permanent cessation of hostilities and a comprehensive political transition within nine months. The process is designed to establish an independent civilian-led government with full legitimacy and accountability.
While the initiative drew wide civilian support, Sudan’s Port Sudan–based authorities rejected it outright. State media carried remarks from Minister of Information Khalid Al-Iseir, who dismissed international statements and sanctions as “nothing more than ink on paper.” Pro-Islamist media outlets aligned with the Muslim Brotherhood also renewed calls to continue the war, contradicting regional and global pressure for a cease-fire.
According to UN estimates, the conflict has already killed nearly 150,000 people and displaced more than 15 million. The United Nations has warned that Sudan now faces the largest humanitarian catastrophe globally. Washington has accused the Muslim Brotherhood of fueling the conflict by backing the army, derailing the political process, and obstructing pathways to a civilian transition.
Hamdok Calls for Terrorist Designation
Former Prime Minister Abdullah Hamdok, now head of the “Sumud” coalition, voiced strong support for the Quartet declaration, saying it aligns with his bloc’s vision of ending the war and restoring democratic civilian rule. Speaking to Mashawir news outlet, he stressed that any political settlement must rest on a clear framework that ensures a full cease-fire, paves the way for inclusive democratic transformation, and safeguards Sudan’s unity and sovereignty.
In a significant statement, Hamdok urged the Quartet members—Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Egypt, and the United States—to take one further step by designating the Muslim Brotherhood as a terrorist organization in Sudan. He argued that the Brotherhood remains one of the main obstacles to peace and democratic transition, accusing the group of actively stoking conflict and derailing reconciliation efforts.
U.S. Position
The U.S. State Department reiterated it would use “every tool available” to prevent a Brotherhood comeback. American officials accused the movement of undermining Sudan’s previous civilian transitional government, blocking the framework agreement, and exacerbating the April 2023 conflict between the army and the Rapid Support Forces. U.S. officials said hardline elements continue to obstruct cease-fire efforts and resist peace-building attempts.
Wider International Backing
In the regional sphere, both the African Union Commission and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) welcomed the Quartet’s joint statement, calling it an important step toward ending the conflict and reviving the peace process. The Gulf Cooperation Council also endorsed the initiative, praising its principles and vowing support for international and Arab efforts to ease Sudan’s humanitarian plight, stabilize state institutions, and foster peace.
