Tigani Sese, head of the National Movement Forces, voiced reservations about the African Union’s call for a Sudanese–Sudanese preparatory dialogue set for October 6 in Addis Ababa.
Speaking to Al-Muhaqiq news outlet, Sese said: “It is very difficult for us to attend a meeting where we had no role in setting the agenda, do not know who will participate, and do not know the methodology of the discussions.”
He stressed that while direct talks with the “Sumud” group were possible—“we have already met them informally in Switzerland”—the main issue lies in transparency about participants and agenda-setting. He warned that the same mistakes made in previous Addis Ababa meetings were being repeated, making meaningful outcomes unlikely.
On UN envoy Ramtane Lamamra’s recent meetings, Sese noted that his talks with the “Government of Foundation” council implied recognition of it despite the UN’s stated rejection. He also criticized Lamamra for meeting opposition forces in Port Sudan belatedly, saying such engagement should have come first.
Sese further rejected the role of the Quartet (U.S., Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and the UAE), arguing that its composition precludes neutrality. He said any facilitation effort should include states not directly involved in the Sudanese conflict.
