Washington, DC - The members of the Troika (Norway, the United Kingdom, and the United States) express great disappointment that a genuine National Dialogue has not begun in Sudan and that an environment conducive to participatory and credible elections does not exist. As we have stated previously, we believe a comprehensive and inclusive National Dialogue is a necessary process for Sudan to develop a truly representative political system. Only through dialogue can the people of Sudan confront fundamental issues of governance, political inclusiveness, resource sharing, national identity, and social equality.

The Government of Sudan signaled in January 2014 its intent to initiate a National Dialogue, but has since failed to advance a genuine process in good faith. Last week, it rejected the African Union’s invitation to a preparatory meeting with other National Dialogue stakeholders to solidify a common understanding of the dialogue process.

We continue to support those Sudanese who wish to advance a process of dialogue toward an end to conflict, meaningful governance reform, inclusive participatory politics, and long-term stability in Sudan.