AU Summit Endorses “African Solutions for African Problems,” Calls for Deployment of Humanitarian Assessment Teams in Sudan and DRC

Sudanhorizon – Othman Siddiq
At the conclusion of their summit on Sunday in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, African Union (AU) leaders called on member states to voluntarily contribute to deploying a humanitarian assessment team in Sudan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). This team will evaluate the humanitarian situation and facilitate the coordination and delivery of aid to those affected by conflicts in both countries.
Angola Assumes AU Chairmanship Amid Complex Regional Challenges
Angola officially assumed the chairmanship of the African Union on Saturday, taking over leadership responsibilities until February next year. During its tenure, Angola must navigate multiple complex issues, including armed conflicts in Sudan and the DRC.
Angolan President João Lourenço will also face major challenges such as:
Mediating the ongoing conflict between Rwanda and the DRC,
Addressing the situation in Sudan was a key focus of discussions at the AU Peace and Security Council meeting.
According to the Angolan News Agency (ANGOP), President Lourenço stated that peace efforts in eastern DRC will only be meaningful if all parties genuinely commit to honouring their obligations. Speaking at the AU Peace and Security Council high-level meeting, he emphasised that:
“Without genuine commitment, time and energy will be wasted on efforts to restore peace in this brotherly nation under attack.”
This statement was a clear reference to the ongoing crisis in the DRC.
AU’s Commitment to “African Solutions for African Problems”
During the meeting, which was attended by United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, President Lourenço provided a briefing on the initiatives he has undertaken under the AU mandate.
He reaffirmed his dedication to implementing actions aligned with the AU’s mandate and reiterated his strong belief in “African solutions for African problems.” His ultimate goal, he stated, is to achieve “Silencing the Guns” across the continent.
Additionally, President Lourenço urged AU member states to coordinate efforts with the UN and international partners to intensify peace efforts in Sudan.
Sudan-Angola Relations and Recent Developments
Sudanese Sovereignty Council Chairman General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan visited Angola in August last year at President Lourenço’s invitation.
During the visit, the two leaders held official talks, discussing:
The historic relations between Sudan and Angola,
Ways to enhance bilateral cooperation for the benefit of both nations,
The current situation in Sudan, particularly the insurgency led by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which Burhan labelled a terrorist militia.
Al-Burhan affirmed Sudan’s commitment to engaging with all peace initiatives, emphasising that the government prioritises peace and stability as fundamental goals.

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