In a recent development, Sudan’s two warring parties have expressed their objection to an initiative proposed by the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD) for a political settlement to the ongoing conflict. The initiative was discussed and adopted at the 14th ordinary session of the IGAD Heads of State and Government held in Djibouti.
The proposed roadmap included the creation of a quartet committee, chaired by Kenya, with the aim of overseeing the Sudanese file and facilitating face-to-face meetings between the rival factions. The committee would also initiate an inclusive process to achieve a political settlement within the next three weeks.
However, Sudan’s Foreign Ministry issued a statement on Tuesday, expressing their disagreement with Kenya’s chairmanship of the quartet committee. The Sudanese delegation demanded that South Sudan’s President, Salva Kiir Mayardit, be appointed as the chairman instead. The statement stated that certain paragraphs in the final communique were not discussed or agreed upon, and requested the IGAD secretariat to omit them from the document.
In addition to the objection from Sudan’s Foreign Ministry, the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) also voiced their disapproval of the multi-forums for a political settlement. They called for the unification of the IGAD initiative with the Saudi-U.S. brokered one. Youssef Izzat, the political adviser to the RSF commander, stated in a press release that the RSF is committed to the Saudi-U.S. initiative as the platform to discuss both ceasefire issues and a permanent political solution.
These rejections pose a significant challenge to the IGAD-led initiative for a political settlement in Sudan. With both warring factions refusing to fully endorse the proposed roadmap, it remains uncertain how progress towards a resolution will be achieved. The rejection of Kenya’s chairmanship and the demand to unite the IGAD initiative with the Saudi-U.S. brokered initiative further complicates the situation.
The conflict in Sudan has resulted in widespread violence, displacement, and humanitarian crises. Achieving a political settlement is crucial to ending the suffering of the Sudanese people and restoring stability to the region. The international community, including IGAD and other key stakeholders, must now work together to find a common ground and ensure that a comprehensive and inclusive political settlement is reached in Sudan.
