Sudanese Political Factions Escalate Boycott of Third Berlin Conference on Sudan

Multiple Sudanese political factions have escalated their boycott of the Third Berlin Conference on Sudan, scheduled for April 15, 2026 in Berlin — co-hosted by Germany and the African Union. The National Forces Alliance (NFA) and the National Forces Coordination both announced formal boycotts, citing unfair invitation distribution, the exclusion of the SAF-aligned Port Sudan government from a formal seat, and accusations that the conference framework had been 'hijacked' to serve interests opposed to Sudanese sovereignty. Preparatory talks are set for Addis Ababa on April 10–12. Analysts tracking the conference noted significant disinformation campaigns targeting the event. The conference was intended to produce a framework for ceasefire negotiations and civilian political transition, but growing boycotts risk undermining its legitimacy before it convenes. The SAF-aligned government has been ambivalent toward the conference, seeing it as a potential platform for civilian factions backed by Qatar and Western states to dilute SAF's political position.