Sudan’s Possible Return to IGAD Under Discussion Between Al-Burhan and Djibouti’s Foreign Minister

Port Sudan – Sudanhorizon

On Monday, General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, President of the Transitional Sovereignty Council and Commander-in-Chief of the Sudanese Armed Forces, received a written message from Djiboutian President Ismail Omar Guelleh, delivered by Djibouti’s Foreign Minister Mahmoud Ali Youssouf. The message focused on bilateral relations between the two countries and ways to enhance and strengthen them.

Sudanese Foreign Minister Ambassador Hussein Awad, who attended the meeting, stated that the discussions touched on the regional and international relations between Sudan and Djibouti. The possibility of Sudan rejoining the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) was also a key topic of discussion. A lengthy dialogue occurred between al-Burhan and the Djiboutian envoy regarding IGAD’s hostile actions and missteps concerning the situation in Sudan. The Sudanese side emphasized the need to separate Sudan’s relationship with Djibouti from its relationship with IGAD, stating that IGAD must correct its stance and acknowledge its mistakes towards Sudan, which led to Sudan’s withdrawal and suspension of its membership in the organization.

The Foreign Minister added that President Guelleh expressed hope in his letter for Sudan’s return to IGAD, affirming that the member states of IGAD are capable of overcoming challenges. Both leaders agreed to study the matter carefully, keeping in mind the potential benefits of Sudan’s return to IGAD, such as increased regional stability and enhanced diplomatic relations.

For his part, Djibouti’s Foreign Minister emphasized that his country is closely monitoring the developments in Sudan, expressing sorrow over the suffering caused by the ongoing war. He condemned the violations committed by the rebel forces against civilians and noted that the Sudanese Armed Forces’ victory seemed imminent. He also predicted that Sudan would emerge stronger shortly and regain its regional standing within IGAD, highlighting Sudan’s role as a founding member.

The Djiboutian Minister further commented on the strength of Sudanese-Djiboutian relations, which continue to grow and develop. He added that Sudan’s role is crucial and central to the region, noting that President Guelleh, as the current chairman of IGAD, aimed to convey a message to General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, urging Sudan to return as an influential member of IGAD, helping the organization achieve its goals with greater strength and resilience. This mutual respect between the two nations reassures us of the strength of their relationship.

The Djiboutian Foreign Minister also congratulated the Sudanese people on the Armed Forces’ victories and efforts to restore control and overcome the ongoing crisis.