Abdalla Hamdok: A Voice for Peace Amid Sudan’s Escalating Crisis

 

Abdalla Hamdok, Sudan’s former Prime Minister and a prominent figure in the country’s turbulent political landscape, has once again emerged as a key player in the ongoing efforts to address the nation’s deepening crisis. As of March 10, 2025, Hamdok’s recent actions and statements reflect his unwavering commitment to halting the violence that has plagued Sudan since the outbreak of conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in April 2023. His leadership, shaped by years of experience as an economist and diplomat, continues to resonate as a beacon of hope for a nation teetering on the edge of collapse.

A Call for Truce and International Intervention

In early March 2025, Hamdok, now heading the Civil Democratic Alliance of Revolutionary Forces (Sumoud), addressed the Sudanese people with a renewed plea for peace. He urged an immediate ceasefire and proposed an arms embargo as critical first steps toward de-escalating the conflict. His appeal comes at a time when Sudan’s humanitarian situation has reached catastrophic levels, with over 159,000 deaths reported and more than 12 million people displaced due to the war. Hamdok’s call for “urgent truce talks” under the auspices of the United Nations (UN) and the African Union (AU) underscores his belief that international mediation is essential to breaking the cycle of violence between the warring factions led by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan of the SAF and Mohamed Hamdan “Hemedti” Dagalo of the RSF.

This is not the first time Hamdok has warned of the dire consequences of prolonged conflict. In 2023, he described Sudan’s war as a potential “nightmare for the world,” likening it to the devastating civil wars in Syria and Libya. His recent statements echo this sentiment, emphasizing that without swift intervention, Sudan risks further fragmentation and regional instability.

The Nairobi Transitional Constitution: A Controversial Move

Adding to the complexity of Sudan’s political landscape, Hamdok’s name has been linked to a significant development in early March 2025: the signing of the Nairobi Transitional Constitution of 2025. This agreement, brokered between the Sudan Constituent Alliance and the RSF, establishes a parallel government in areas under RSF control. While Hamdok has not explicitly endorsed this move, his advocacy for peace aligns with efforts to create alternative governance structures amid the power vacuum left by the SAF-RSF rivalry. Critics, however, view this as a divisive step, accusing Hamdok of aligning too closely with the RSF and external powers, a charge his supporters vehemently deny.

The Nairobi initiative highlights the fractured nature of Sudan’s transition, a process Hamdok once led as Prime Minister following the 2019 revolution that ousted Omar al-Bashir. His tenure, marked by ambitious economic reforms and peace negotiations with rebel groups, was cut short by the military coup in October 2021. Reinstated briefly in November 2021, he resigned in January 2022, citing irreconcilable differences with the military leadership. Today, his role has shifted from governing to mediating, yet the challenges he faces remain daunting.

A Manufactured Leader or a Genuine Advocate?

Hamdok’s re-emergence has not been without controversy. Some detractors on platforms like X have labeled him a “manufactured leader,” suggesting he serves foreign interests rather than Sudan’s sovereignty. These criticisms intensified following his November 2024 appearance at Chatham House in London, where he called for a no-fly zone, safe zones, and even international “boots on the ground” to protect civilians. The backlash was swift, with protests branding him a “traitor” for inviting foreign intervention—a sensitive issue in a country with a history of resisting external influence.

Yet, Hamdok’s defenders argue that his proposals stem from a desperate need to avert a humanitarian catastrophe. His extensive background—decades with the UN Economic Commission for Africa and a reputation as a disciplined technocrat—lends credibility to his vision of a civilian-led, democratic Sudan. His critics may question his methods, but few dispute the scale of the crisis he seeks to address.

The Road Ahead

As Sudan’s conflict enters its second year, Hamdok’s influence remains a double-edged sword. His push for truce talks and international support could pave the way for dialogue, but the parallel government initiative risks deepening divisions. The SAF continues to assert control over key regions, while the RSF faces accusations of atrocities, including ethnic cleansing in areas like Al Jazira state. For Hamdok, navigating this polarized landscape requires balancing pragmatism with his long-standing commitment to civilian rule.

On March 10, 2025, Abdalla Hamdok stands at a crossroads. His voice carries the weight of experience and the hope of a weary population, yet the path to peace remains fraught with obstacles. Whether he can bridge Sudan’s divides—or whether his efforts will be overshadowed by the chaos—remains uncertain. What is clear, however, is that Hamdok’s dedication to ending the bloodshed continues to shape the narrative of Sudan’s struggle for stability in an increasingly volatile world.