The African Union Commission has raised alarm over the escalating security crisis in Sudan and has urgently called for an immediate cessation of hostilities to restore peace in the region. The recent surge in violence has seen the Rapid Support Forces, led by Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, clash with the Sudanese Armed Forces under General Abdel Fattah al-Burhani’s command.

Expressing deep concern, Moussa Faki, the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, highlighted the distressing reports of renewed attacks on the Abu Shok camp for internally displaced persons in El Fasher. Furthermore, the conflict has spilled over to Wad Medani in Gezira state, exacerbating the already volatile situation. The AU Commission emphasized the need for urgent intervention to quell the renewed upheaval.

The Commission revealed that the attacks on Wad Medani have expanded the theater of war in Sudan, which has endured nine months of relentless conflict. Wad Medani, a safe haven for millions fleeing the turmoil in Khartoum, has now become embroiled in the violence, compelling civilians to endure displacement once again.

Moussa Faki emphasized the imperative of terminating hostilities and urged all conflicting parties to earnestly seek peaceful resolutions for the stability and well-being of Sudan. He reiterated the call for the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces to lay down their arms and actively engage in constructive dialogue to pave the way for lasting peace in Sudan.

The AU Commission’s Chairperson underscored the African Union’s unwavering commitment to collaborate with local stakeholders, as well as regional and international entities such as IGAD, the League of Arab States, and the United Nations. This collective effort is aimed at swiftly resolving the protracted conflict in Sudan and restoring tranquility to the region.

In a significant development, the conflicting Generals, under the auspices of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), recently endorsed face-to-face negotiations in a bid to mitigate the crisis. This breakthrough emerged from IGAD’s 41st Extraordinary Assembly, convened by President Ismail Omar Guelleh in Djibouti. The agreement saw RSF Commander General Dagalo ‘Hemetti’ and General al-Burhan, President of the Transitional Sovereignty Council of Sudan, consenting to engage in dialogue, facilitated by IGAD, with a commitment to an unconditional ceasefire and a peaceful resolution through political dialogue.

This concerted effort marks a pivotal step forward in the quest for peace in Sudan. It is a testament to the unwavering dedication of regional and international bodies to bring about an end to the conflict and lay the foundation for a harmonious and stable Sudan.