In an extraordinary meeting held in Kampala, Uganda, the leaders of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) urged Sudan’s military leaders to meet within two weeks to find ways to end the nine-month conflict.
The East African bloc’s call for an immediate ceasefire and initiation of political dialogue was emphasized, with IGAD member states pledging to use all available means for a peaceful resolution.
IGAD leaders instructed the Secretariat, in collaboration with the African Union, to review the roadmap for resolving the conflict that began on April 15, 2023.
The roadmap outlines a clear timeline for a comprehensive political process leading to the formation of a democratic government within a month.
A delegation from the Sudanese Coordination of Civil Democratic Forces (Taqaddum) led by former Prime Minister Abdullah Hamdok, participated in the summit.
RSF leader Lt. Gen. Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (Hemedti), also attended, presenting perspectives on ending the war.
Hamdok reported consultative meetings with IGAD leaders during the summit in Kampala, addressing the Sudanese crisis and regional issues.
In addition, the summit’s final statement praised the appointment of Moussa Faki, the head of the African Union Commission, to lead a high-level team.
Faki will work closely with IGAD and other stakeholders to manage the peace process in Sudan.
The committee, announced by Faki, includes three African figures who will engage with all involved parties, including civil and armed groups, as well as regional and global actors like IGAD, the United Nations, and the Arab League.
The goal is to ensure a comprehensive process for a secure and stable return to peace in the country.
According to the summit’s final communique, the conflict in Sudan must be resolved without any external interference.
The conflict in Sudan broke out in April, 2023, between the national army, led by Gen. Abdel-Fattah Burhan, and Dagalo. Since then, 7 million people have been displaced and 12,000 have been killed.
