Demonstrators took to the streets of El Daein, the capital of Sudan’s East Darfur state, on Sunday calling for an end to the war and protection of civilians from aerial bombardment.
The demonstrators marched through the city before gathering at Freedom Square, chanting slogans demanding an end to the fighting and air strikes on civilians.
East Darfur state is one of the areas under control of the Sudan Foundation Alliance (Tasis), a parallel government aligned with the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) which has been fighting against the army since April 2023.
The alliance announced the formation of a parallel administration in areas of its control in July 2025, with RSF commander Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, widely known as Hemedti, heading its presidential council and civilian politician Mohamed Hassan al-Taishi serving as prime minister.
Al-Fadil Saeed Madibo, a representative of the Native Administration in East Darfur and deputy tribal leader of the Rizeigat tribe, said the demonstration reflects the will of the local population and sent a message to the international community that aerial attacks on civilians must stop.
Tareq Mersal, head of the civil administration in East Darfur, said the large turnout was intended to reject what he described as the arrogance of Sudanese army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and affirm the people’s right to determine the legitimacy of their government.
Mersal said the state had experienced a recovery since the civil administration was established in August 2024, adding that government institutions had resumed operations. He said the local community remained united and had expressed full confidence in the Sudan Founding Alliance (Tasis).
Mersal praised the United States for what he said was its decision to prevent Burhan from entering its territory, saying prison was a more appropriate place for the army chief than the halls of the United Nations. He said the Tasis government derives its legitimacy from popular support.
Khalid Aseel, the roads and bridges minister who represented the prime minister, thanked leaders of the Tasis alliance in East Darfur for their continued efforts to support the peace government.
Aseel described Sudan’s current circumstances as exceptional, saying the country had endured a devastating war that had affected millions of people and caused immense suffering.
The responsibilities of the peace government extend beyond silencing the guns, he said, although ending the war remains an urgent priority.
Sudan’s future depends on peace, education, knowledge and respect for diversity, which he described as a source of strength, Aseel said. Protecting civilians and ending the bloodshed are national and moral responsibilities, he added.
Aseel said the peace government accepted all initiatives aimed at ending the war without reservations, citing the need to save lives and alleviate suffering.
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