Panafrican News Agency

AU delegation encourages women participation Sudan’s peace process

Khartoum, Sudan (PANA) - A high-level delegation of African Union (AU) women leaders has started a five-day mission to Sudan by bringing together  women activists to help promote women participation in peace and politics in the country.

In a press statement made available to PANA in Khartoum on Wednesday, the AU  Chairperson’s Special Envoy on Women, Peace and Security, Mme Bineta Diop said she has received women political leaders from various political parties who briefed the visiting dignitaries on the current situation of Sudan's peace process and the establishment of an inclusive and democratic governance system.

The statement said the the AU Commission Chairperson, Mr. Moussa Faki Mahmat has delegated Mme Bineta Diop to lead a four day solidarity mission to Sudan from 26-30 August 2019.

“The solidarity mission aims to support women of Sudan in their endeavours for a democratic process to build lasting peace in Sudan,“ said the statement.

During the meeting, former President of Central African Republic Catherine Samba-Panza, co-leader of the delegation “commended the people of Sudan for the peaceful and democratic transition, which laid a foundation for the creation of a sustainable democratic state”.

The overall objective of the mission is supporting Sudanese women in their endeavours for a democratic, peaceful and inclusive government of Sudan that incorporates women in decision-making at all levels.

The delegation also emphasized the central role played by women and youth throughout the social action that brought about change in the country.

The seven-member AU delegation has requested the inclusion of women in the upcoming formation of the government as well as other local leadership roles to sustain the peaceful transition to sustainable transformation of Sudan.

“My office and this high level mission is here with a mandate to ensure that the voices of women in situation of conflict and transition are heard loudly and taken into consideration in decision-making, and that is why we listened to you.

"We will echo your voices to all the stakeholders we will hold discussion with,” said Bineta Diop.

The AU delegation is scheduled to meet with pertinent stakeholders including the Sovereign Council, newly appointed Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdouk, representatives of national political parties, women leaders and women-led organizations, members of diplomatic corps, representatives of the United Nations and the Elders.

-0- PANA MO/AR 28Aug2019