The Kenyan presidency confirmed on Monday that member states of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) are set to hold an emergency summit to discuss advancing the ongoing negotiation process in Jeddah aimed at resolving the current crisis in Sudan.
Following a meeting between Kenyan President William Ruto and Sudanese Sovereignty Council head Abdel Fattah al-Burhan in Nairobi, the Kenyan presidency emphasized the urgent need to find a solution to the conflict in Sudan as soon as possible.
Sudan has been experiencing severe security and humanitarian conditions due to continuous fighting since April 15 between the army and the Rapid Support Forces in the Sudanese capital, Khartoum, and other regions, resulting in approximately 10,000 deaths and the displacement of over 7 million people within and outside the country.
After a new round of talks between the warring parties resumed last month in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, the United States, Saudi Arabia, and the IGAD group expressed their regret last week over the failure to reach a ceasefire agreement. However, they confirmed the parties’ agreement on the following aspects:
Commitment to facilitate humanitarian aid and execute confidence-building measures.
Engagement in a joint humanitarian mechanism led by the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs to address obstacles in delivering relief aid.
Detention of prison escapees and actions against parties that escalate or fuel the conflict.
Civil forces, after consecutive meetings held recently in Ethiopia’s capital, Addis Ababa, announced their support for the Jeddah platform and the African Union initiative declared on June 25. This plan integrates the vision of the Jeddah conference and IGAD’s proposals, aiming to halt the war and start a political process leading to a civilian-led transition.
The proposed solution is based on six key points:
Permanent ceasefire and demilitarization of Khartoum.
Withdrawal of combatant forces to assembly points 50 kilometers away from Khartoum.
Deployment of African forces to guard strategic institutions in the capital.
Addressing the dire humanitarian situation resulting from the war.
Involvement of police and security forces in securing public facilities.
Initiating a political process for a definitive resolution of the crisis.
The IGAD’s involvement reflects the regional commitment to peace and stability in East Africa, particularly in nations experiencing political and civil unrest like Sudan. The IGAD, comprising countries like Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, Sudan, South Sudan, Djibouti, Uganda, and Eritrea, plays a critical role in mediating conflicts and fostering regional cooperation.
Sudan’s ongoing crisis has been a significant concern for the international community, given its impact on regional security and humanitarian conditions. The situation in Sudan has deteriorated since the ousting of long-time leader Omar al-Bashir in 2019, followed by political instability and violent clashes between different factions.
The emergency summit by IGAD members underscores the urgency of finding a peaceful resolution to the Sudanese conflict. It also highlights the role of African and international actors in facilitating dialogue and supporting Sudan’s path to stability. The talks in Jeddah and the proposed solutions reflect a concerted effort to address the multifaceted challenges facing Sudan, from political transition to humanitarian crises.
