Developments in Sudan: Calls to Prevent Arms and Foreign Intervention

New York- ٍSudanhorizon
IGAD, the east African Development Fund, has emphasized that the first condition for achieving peace in Sudan is to halt and prevent foreign interference in the ongoing war in Sudan, ensure a comprehensive process led by the Sudanese, develop a clear roadmap for the transition to civilian rule, and work to unify efforts and enhance coordination in the mediation process, which means bringing together the strength of mediation and initiatives.
The organization’s Executive Director, Workneh Gebreyahu, has indicated in his statenment during the ministerial meeting on Sudan, held on the sidelines of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly, at the invitation of the European Union, the African Union, France, Germany, and the United Kingdoom, that IGAD is committed to these principles.
The group has meanwhile reiterated that the Sudanese people cannot wait any longer, as their fate, lives, dignity, and future depend on the rapid response by these regional and international organizations and groups.
The joint meeting concluded that the situation in Sudan represents the most serious humanitarian and displacement crisis in the world, with more than two-thirds of its population, or 30 million people, in need of assistance, (24) million people facing acute food insecurity, and needs are increasing. The ongoing conflict has had a devastating impact on civilians, especially women and children, and the suffering they have endured for two and a half years is unacceptable and poses a major threat to the future of Sudan and the region.
The group urged all warring parties to resume direct negotiations to reach a permanent ceasefire, and expressed their readiness to take further measures to support its conclusion and implementation.
According to the joint statement, the participants declared their support for the agreement on protecting critical infrastructure, facilitated by the European Union, and called on the warring parties to take all necessary measures to ensure the protection of civilians. The group welcomed the joint statement issued on September 12 by the Quartet on ending the conflict in Sudan.
“We express our support for the efforts of the African Union and IGAD to coordinate international and bilateral efforts to pressure all Sudanese parties towards a ceasefire, humanitarian action, and political dialogue, working with partners such as the European Union, the League of Arab States, and the United Nations,” it said.
In its statement, the group condemned military intervention by foreign governmental and non-governmental actors in the conflict and urged them to refrain from fueling the conflict, particularly through the provision of military equipment and financial support, and to comply with UN Security Council Resolution 1556 (2004).
It also declared its unwavering commitment to Sudan’s sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity at a time when it is under serious threat, stressing its rejection of the establishment of parallel governance structures and all measures that jeopardize the democratic aspirations of the Sudanese people.
The statement added, “The Sudanese people must determine their political future through an inclusive, transparent, and credible Sudanese-led and Sudanese-owned transitional process to restore legitimate civilian rule.”
The group strongly condemned the violations of international human rights and humanitarian law committed by the warring parties, and called on them to respect their obligations and commitments under the Jeddah Declaration.
“We reiterate our support for the work of the UN Fact-Finding Mission on Sudan and the International Criminal Court to hold all perpetrators of international crimes and atrocities accountable,” the group said.
The group called on the warring parties to implement a humanitarian pause in El Fasher, as proposed by the United Nations, and to comply with UN Security Council Resolution 2736 (2024).
Separately, the group welcomed the extension of the Adre border crossing point until December 2025, and urged the warring parties to allow and facilitate full, safe, and unhindered humanitarian access, via all necessary cross-border and cross-line routes, to all Sudanese territory, regardless of the ceasefire, including by authorizing the indefinite opening of the Adre border crossing point and authorizing a sustained international humanitarian presence by the United Nations and other organizations throughout Darfur and Kordofan.

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