The Sniper Phase Is Over… Zero-Distance Initiatives
Sudan Events – Agencies
There is a noticeable insistence from certain parties on imposing the Quartet Committee’s initiative and presenting it as the sole proposal on the table—one that the Sudanese government must accept in full, without discussion or comments. This insistence is exercised through Mossad Boulos, the Quartet countries, and envoys who visit the temporary capital, Port Sudan, from time to time, employing every available means of pressure to ensure the Quartet framework is not bypassed, along with the provisions inserted into it—provisions that the U.S. envoy worked hard to apply to the Sudanese crisis as the only solution and the only entry point for negotiations. This comes amid extensive promotion by voices and pens aligned with the militia, in a manner reminiscent of the same lineup of figures behind the Framework Agreement.
It appears that the meeting between former U.S. President Donald Trump and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman—and the outcomes that followed, alongside Sudan’s announcement welcoming the Crown Prince’s initiative—has unsettled the parties pushing to pass the Quartet’s proposal as the sole option. Mossad Boulos’ pressure on the Sudanese government intensified following this development.
The acceleration of these efforts coincided with the sudden emergence of an anonymously sourced document calling for the dismantling of the army and security apparatuses and rebuilding them from scratch, while placing the country under the authority of an international representative chosen by the Quartet and agreed upon by its members. The Sudanese government rejected the proposal before discovering that the document was “parentless,” with no party claiming authorship to this day.
Recently, remarks by the U.S. Secretary of State indicated that President Trump is personally invested in the Sudan file, and that Trump does not send envoys to handle such matters. This places additional pressure on Mossad Boulos, who presents himself as Trump’s envoy, and heightens pressure on the UAE, which views Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s movements in the Sudan file with suspicion—aware that the Crown Prince sees the matter as essential to the security of both Saudi Arabia and Egypt. Trump’s comments about the Crown Prince playing a significant role in the Sudan issue have also raised concerns among those supporting the militia.
Professor Ahmed Abdel-Daeim Mohamed Hussein, an expert in African affairs, says the United States appears to have moved past its earlier vision for resolving the crisis, which relied on two tracks: first, declaring a ceasefire; and second, holding a direct meeting between Burhan and Hemedti. “This proposal is detached from reality, unacceptable—at least to the Sudanese government—and incapable of resolving the crisis,” he said. He added: “The involvement of Mohammed bin Salman may have introduced significant additions to the American vision, pulling it out of its narrow frame to align with realities on the ground, instead of attempting to ‘twist the neck’ of reality to fit preconceived plans.”
He continued: “Washington previously limited its consultations to representatives of the former civilian government, which in my opinion reflected a serious deficiency in understanding both the nature of the conflict and the balance of power on the ground.”
Professor Fadl Al-Mawla Al-Naeem, a political science specialist, views Trump as highly pragmatic in handling files—contrary to those who see him as chaotic or reliant on political strong-arming. “In my view, he knows exactly where to step. He does not depend on others’ visions; he has his own that guides him,” he said.
He added: “Once he assumes the lead on the file, he will not stop until the war stops. He is now studying the situation and trying to find leverage points that allow him to control all parties. I do not expect him to present an ‘initiative’ but rather a ‘solution’—one preceded by communications and outreach to various actors. Strategically, he will not present a proposal for negotiation; and this is something the Sudanese leadership must understand.”
He continued: “Now is the right moment to intensify efforts on all fronts—military, political, and diplomatic—because what is being prepared in Washington is a solution, not an initiative. And it is being shaped with the direct participation of Saudi Arabia, through Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman personally, not merely through its institutions.”
He added: “The Sudanese leadership is close to the file and understands its developments. Their statements—especially those of the Chairman of the Sovereignty Council, who is deeply involved—offer insight into what is unfolding. It is logical that he is receiving consultations from both U.S. and Saudi sides, and he is fully aware that solution initiatives have entered a phase where divergent interests and perspectives among states have brought all parties into a zero-distance confrontation.”
He concluded: “The sniper phase has ended.”
