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Nairobi, Kenya — The African Union, European Union, and United States have jointly issued a plea for an urgent ceasefire and constructive dialogue to halt the conflict between warring factions in Sudan. This call comes as tensions also mount between Somalia and Ethiopia over an agreement signed between Ethiopia and the breakaway region of Somaliland, endangering regional stability in the Horn of Africa.

The armed forces of Sudan and the rival Rapid Support Forces have been embroiled in a struggle for control of Sudan since April, leading to street battles in the capital and other areas, including the strife-torn Darfur region. The resulting conflict has displaced a staggering 7 million people and deprived 19 million children of access to education.

Michael Hammer, the U.S. special envoy for the Horn of Africa, has urged Sudan’s factions to honor their obligations under international humanitarian law and to fulfill their recent commitments to cease hostilities. “It’s time for them to take action consistent with their stated claims that they want to stop the fighting and meet the needs of the people,” Hammer emphasized.

This urgent plea was made following an emergency meeting of heads of state from the regional bloc Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) in Kampala, Uganda, which focused on the Sudan conflict and the mounting tensions between Somalia and Ethiopia. The gravity of the situation was underscored as representatives of the African Union, European Union, United States, and the United Nations stressed the imperative need for a de-escalation of hostilities.

As the international community strives to address these urgent issues, the stakes are high, and the imperative for a peaceful resolution has never been more pressing. It is essential for all concerned parties to prioritize the welfare and stability of the region over their own interests, for the sake of a peaceful and prosperous Horn of Africa.