Mixed Reactions to AUPSC’s Statement on Sudan

Cairo – Sudanhorizon – Sabah Musa

The Sudanese issue is witnessing significant movement at both regional and international levels, with developments seemingly in favour of the Sudanese state against the rebellion, which has committed undeniable atrocities and war crimes. Meanwhile, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) continue spreading lies and violations. The African Union (AU), through its Peace and Security Council (PSC) and IGAD, is attempting to bring the issue back to the African framework, but this time in a different way.

The PSC Statement

On Monday, the AUPSC issued a statement requesting the Chairperson of the African Union Commission to reopen the AU Liaison Office in Port Sudan, where the Sudanese government is currently based. The PSC also welcomed the readiness of the Transitional Sovereignty Council’s chairman to form a civilian-led transitional government. The statement emphasised the importance of preserving Sudanese state institutions, condemned the violence, and highlighted the unprecedented humanitarian disaster in Darfur. It called for the immediate lifting of the siege on El Fasher and ensuring the delivery of humanitarian aid. Furthermore, the PSC urged the warring parties to cease hostilities and implement the agreements reached in the Jeddah Declaration concerning humanitarian access, civilian protection, and withdrawal from civilian homes and buildings.

Government Response

The Sudanese government welcomed the PSC’s statement, praising its positive directions and constructive proposals. In a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Tuesday, the government expressed its agreement with the priorities outlined by the PSC, particularly the full implementation of the Jeddah Declaration, the evacuation of civilian homes, the facilitation of humanitarian aid, and the PSC’s demand for the RSF to lift the siege on El Fasher immediately. The government also appreciated the PSC’s condemnation of the atrocities committed by the RSF against civilians and the Council’s endorsement of Sudan’s roadmap for resolving the crisis.
The Sudanese government also lauded the PSC’s call for all AU institutions to increase aid to Sudan. It reaffirmed its full commitment to constructive engagement with the AU, recognising Sudan’s role as one of the founding members and leaders of African joint efforts. The government expressed gratitude to the PSC members for their visit to Sudan on October 3, highlighting the positive outcomes of this direct and transparent communication between the continental organisation and its member states in line with the principle of “African solutions to African problems.”

Back to IGAD

At the same time, Sudan’s Sovereign Council Chairman, General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, received a letter from Djiboutian President Ismail Omar Guelleh, addressing bilateral relations and ways to strengthen them, as well as discussing Sudan’s potential return to IGAD. The letter was delivered by Djibouti’s Foreign Minister Mahmoud Ali Youssouf during a meeting with al-Burhan, attended by Sudanese Foreign Minister Hussein Awad.

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