Sudan Defreezes Membership, Rejoins IGAD

Khartoum – Sudanhorizon
Djibouti, which holds the current chairmanship of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), on Sunday announced that Sudan has decided to rejoin the organization after a period of suspension.
Sudan suspended its membership in IGAD on January 20, 2024, in protest against the participation of Rapid Support Forces (RSF) commander Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo “Hemedti” in a summit of IGAD heads of state held in Kampala, Uganda.
The Djiboutian Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomed Sudan’s return to IGAD in a statement, noting that the move was formalized through an official letter from the Sudanese Foreign Minister to the IGAD Executive Secretary.
The Ministry considered Sudan’s return an important step towards strengthening regional cohesion and consolidating the dynamics of collective action among member states.
On January 28, Prime Minister Kamil Idriss held talks in Djibouti with President Ismail Omar Guelleh and other officials, in addition to a meeting with IGAD Executive Secretary Dr Workneh Gebeyehu. Hours after these meetings, IGAD condemned the Rapid Support Forces’ crimes for the first time since the conflict erupted 33 months ago. It also declared its full support for Sudan’s unity, sovereignty, and existing national institutions.
The statement reiterated Djibouti’s support for Sudan, noting its pivotal role as a founding and active member of IGAD, possessing significant political, geographical, and regional influence.
It explained that Djibouti has made continuous efforts to support Sudan’s return to IGAD, emphasizing that this return contributes to strengthening coordination and consultation among member states and advancing the organization’s efforts in addressing shared challenges.

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