Statement

Amid shifting military dynamics, a narrow window for dialogue about stopping the fighting in Sudan may have opened. But diplomacy is in disarray. Outside actors should urgently coordinate efforts to steer the belligerents toward a negotiated end to hostilities. 

Bola Ahmed Tinubu will be sworn in as Nigeria’s president on 29 May, following an election dogged by legal challenges. With a weaker mandate than any of his predecessors, the new leader should take steps to reunite a fractured country facing numerous other problems.

Somaliland’s army and Dhulbahante militias are fighting for control of the town of Las Anod. The Dhulbahante want to join Somalia rather than be part of Somaliland’s state-building project. The two sides should agree to a ceasefire and prepare for overdue talks on the Dhulbahante’s administrative status.

Fighting in cities across Sudan has left hundreds dead and trapped untold numbers at home in severe danger. If not halted, the conflict could become a devastating civil war. Local and outside actors should demand a humanitarian ceasefire, especially around Eid al-Fitr, followed by talks.

As Israeli protesters rage against their far-right government’s anti-democratic legislation, military raids and settler attacks continue in the West Bank. Without steps to de-escalate the situation, violence there or in Jerusalem could spiral during the Muslim and Jewish holidays in the weeks ahead.

مع إظهار المحتجين الإسرائيليين غضبهم حيال التشريعات غير الديمقراطية لحكومة أقصى اليمين في إسرائيل، تستمر الغارات العسكرية وهجمات المستوطنين في الضفة الغربية. ودون اتخاذ خطوات لخفض تصعيد الوضع، يمكن للعنف هناك أو في القدس أن يتصاعد خلال الأعياد الإسلامية واليهودية في الأسابيع القادمة.

Pre-talks between Cameroon’s government and Anglophone separatists, facilitated by Canada, have opened the door to a long-overdue peace process, but Yaoundé has baulked. The government should embrace these talks, while domestic and external actors should put their full weight behind the initiative.

Les consultations préalables entre le gouvernement camerounais et les séparatistes anglophones, encouragées par le Canada, ont ouvert la porte à un processus de paix qui n’a que trop tardé, mais Yaoundé rechigne. Le gouvernement devrait accepter ces pourparlers, tandis que les acteurs intérieurs et extérieurs devraient peser de tout leur poids pour faire aboutir cette initiative.

A deal between Sudan’s military and its factious political elites has opened the door to installing a civilian government. Signatories should work to win broader support during the current phase of negotiations, while outside actors should stand ready to offer financing if the agreement sticks.