Ethiopian Adviser Urges Sudan Leaders to Accept Negotiated Peace
Getachew Reda argues that neither side in Sudan's war can achieve a military victory, urging a shift toward dialogue to prevent state disintegration.
Key points
- Ethiopian adviser Getachew Reda stated that neither the Sudanese army nor the RSF can secure a military victory.
- A UN report indicates that 8.6 million people have been internally displaced since the conflict began in April 2023.
- Reda warned that prolonged lawlessness in Sudan poses security risks to Ethiopia and undermines regional stability.
Addis Ababa, September 21, 2026 (ENA) — Getachew Reda, adviser to the Ethiopian Prime Minister on East African affairs, has called on Sudan’s warring factions to abandon the pursuit of a decisive military victory. Speaking to Pulse of Africa, Reda emphasized that continued combat is exacerbating humanitarian suffering and pushing the country closer to fragmentation. He argued that recognizing the impossibility of a battlefield win is the essential first step toward meaningful negotiations.
The conflict, which began in April 2023 between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), has resulted in one of the world's largest displacement crises. According to a UN report, approximately 8.6 million people have been internally displaced, while 19.5 million face crisis-level food insecurity. Reda warned that this prolonged instability not only devastates Sudanese society but also poses direct security risks to neighboring Ethiopia, where refugees are arriving and lawlessness could be exploited by destabilizing actors.
Erosion of Political Accommodation
Reda noted that the war has severely damaged Sudan’s historical tradition of political accommodation, where rival leaders could coexist after changes in government. He described the current environment as "absolutely chaotic," accusing both the army chief, Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, and RSF commander Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo of contributing to the destruction of civilian infrastructure. The adviser suggested that the lack of reason among these key figures has deepened the national crisis and undermined potential pathways for reconciliation.
Regional Stability and Security Concerns
For Ethiopia, the implications of the Sudanese conflict extend beyond the border. Reda stated that the country must remain alert to the presence of extremist elements and armed groups that view Sudan's lawlessness as an operational environment. He cautioned that a prolonged vacuum of authority could allow these actors to destabilize Ethiopia, making a stable, negotiated outcome in Sudan a critical component of regional security. Despite these risks, Ethiopia’s stated interest remains a civilian-led political settlement rather than a military triumph by either side.
Mediation Efforts Remain Stalled
International mediators, including the African Union and the United Nations, have continued to push for a Sudanese-led solution. However, despite ongoing diplomatic efforts by IGAD and other partners, no lasting breakthrough has been achieved. The humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate, with the UN Secretary-General expressing concern over the scale of the crisis. The forward question now rests on whether the warring parties will finally acknowledge the limits of military force and engage in the negotiations necessary to prevent further disintegration.
