Former African Union Official to Sudanhorizon: “Sudan Has Not Requested the AU to Lift Sudan’s Suspended Membership”
Cairo – Sudanhorizon – Sabah Musa
Ambassador Nader Fath Al-Aleem, former head of the African Union’s office to the League of Arab States, clarified that the recent session of the African Union Peace and Security Council was not dedicated to lifting the suspension of Sudan’s AU membership. In an exclusive statement to Sudanhorizon, Fath Al-Aleem said that the AU Peace and Security Council’s meeting held on Monday was focused on discussing the aggression against Sudan, its regional implications, potential solutions, affirming the Union’s supportive position toward the Sudanese state, which is confronting cross-border militias, as well as addressing human rights violations and the deepening humanitarian crisis, particularly the siege on El Fasher.
He added that the Council’s statement following the meeting was positive and in Sudan’s favor. However, he emphasized that since the appointment of Prime Minister Dr. Kamal Idris, Sudan has not officially submitted a request to lift the suspension of its participation in the AU’s activities. He noted that while Sudan’s Permanent Representative to the AU, Ambassador Al-Zain Ibrahim, called for lifting the suspension during his address, this does not qualify as a formal request from the Sudanese government.
Fath Al-Aleem further explained that the process of lifting a suspension begins with the submission of an official memorandum to the Chairperson of the AU Commission. This memorandum must outline the rationale for the request and is then circulated for discussion within the Peace and Security Council. He remarked that the new Prime Minister has not given the African Union the necessary attention and has not made any visits to the AU—at a time when the Prime Minister’s Office should have been actively engaging. “It seems Dr. Kamal Idris is more preoccupied with domestic affairs than with efforts to restore Sudan’s AU membership,” Fath Al-Aleem said, stressing that rejoining the African fold is crucial and would bolster efforts to contain the rebellion.
He also affirmed that the African Union does not support militias or groups rebelling against legitimate states, and Sudan must take advantage of strong AU decisions once the suspension is lifted. The former AU official pointed out the noticeable silence on this matter since the Prime Minister’s appointment. “I expected Dr. Kamal Idris’s first step would be to engage with the African Union,” he said. He recommended that if the Prime Minister is occupied with internal issues, he should appoint a special envoy for regional and international organizations to act on his behalf. Fath Al-Aleem confirmed that there is no dispute among AU member states regarding the lifting of Sudan’s suspension, stating, “Egypt has a strong stance in favor of lifting the suspension, and this is consistent with the African Union’s position. What remains is for Sudan to officially engage with the Union.”
He clarified that the previously suggested condition of holding free elections in Sudan, which was raised back in 2023, is no longer required. The only current condition is the formation of a civilian government. He added that the AU High-Level Panel, chaired by Ambassador Mohamed Chambas, is now advocating for a comprehensive solution, emphasizing that political dialogue should proceed independently from military affairs. “The African Union now firmly supports the Sudanese government and armed forces,” he said, expressing hope that this will eventually lead to an inclusive political dialogue.
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