The African Union (AU) has reaffirmed its condemnation of the violence in Sudan and decided to maintain the suspension of the country’s membership. The AU’s Peace and Security Council (PSC) pointed to the severe humanitarian crisis, including widespread starvation and systematic killings. The PSC’s communiqué emphasized the necessity for restoring a democratically elected government, prioritizing peace and addressing the interests of Sudanese citizens.
The PSC also identified several strategic steps for peace, including endorsing the Sudanese National Initiative for Peace, proposed by transitional Prime Minister Kamil Idris. This initiative involves a UN-monitored ceasefire and the withdrawal of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) paramilitary, outlining a plan to disarm these forces. Additionally, the PSC pointed out challenges of external interference, advocating for measures to prevent states or non-state actors from fueling the conflict further. The plan calls for a collaborative effort with intelligence services via the Sub-Committee on Sanctions.
Despite appeals from Sudanese Foreign Minister Muhi al-Din Salem Ahmed to lift the suspension, asserting that peace remains the objective, the AU has maintained its position, citing the country’s founding membership status as insufficient reason to alter its stance. Moreover, former Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok and Sudanese civil groups have criticized the Idris Peace Plan, labeling it incongruent with AU protocols which favor negotiated resolutions over military solutions.
Sudan’s suspension has been in effect since October 2021 following a military coup that ousted the Hamdok government. The ongoing conflict between the RSF and the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) began in April 2023. Volker Türk, the UN Human Rights Chief, recently warned of further deterioration unless international actions, such as extending the arms embargo, are undertaken.
The 39th AU Summit in Addis Ababa provided a platform for addressing these issues, being labeled as a pivotal moment for adjusting the union’s approach toward Sudan’s crisis. Present during this summit, leaders underscored the urgency to take decisive action to resolve the ongoing turmoil in the region, encouraging the Sudanese Transitional Government’s return to Khartoum to reestablish administrative services and federal institutions in the interest of the Sudanese people.