AU reiterates commitment to African-led, Sudanese-owned peace process
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia (PANA) - The African Union (AU) on Thursday reaffirmed its “full readiness” to work closely with all Sudanese stakeholders, as well as regional and international partners, including the InterGovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), the United Nations, and the League of Arab States, to support efforts toward a ceasefire, humanitarian access, and a comprehensive political solution.
This is contained in a statement issued by the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, the 70th indenpendce day of Sudan on Thursday.
He said the AU remains committed to an “African-led, Sudanese-owned process" that responds to the aspirations of the Sudanese people for peace, dignity, and a stable future.
“As Sudan marks seventy years of independence, let this moment serve not only as a reflection on the past, but as a renewed commitment to end the war and reclaim the promise of a peaceful and united Sudan,” Mr Youssouf said.
The war in Sudan, which erupted in April 2023 between former allies, the Sudanese Armed Forces and paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, has torn apart the country with the collapse of the economy, destruction of infrastructure, fear and panic, death of tens of thousands, and human rights abuses.
It has also created one of the world’s largest humanitarian crises, with some millions of people needing assistance.
Homes, hospitals and schools have been destroyed, and basic services have ceased. Malnutrition and food insecurity are on the rise. according to the UN.
The AUC Chairperson's endorsement on Tuesday of the peace initiative presented by the Sudanese Prime Minister Kamil Idris to the United Nations Security Council, has drawn the ire of civil society organisations (CSOs).
They have expressed their unhappiness calling his step a “dangerous shift” from regional consensus and a sign of institutional bias.
The military government's initiative includes several provisions, such as the withdrawal of the RSF from cities under its control to pre-agreed camps under UN, Arab, and African supervision. It also calls for the commencement of a disarmament process for these forces under international monitoring, alongside guarantees to prevent the redistribution of weaponry.
But a number of civil society organisations have in separate statements rejected the AU's position warning that perceived favouritism toward any warring party would erode the Sudanese people’s trust in regional institutions.
The Civil Democratic Alliance of Revolutionary Forces (SOMOUD), led by former Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok, issued a sharp rebuke on Wednesday against AU Commissioner Mahmoud Ali Youssef, Sudanese news outlet, Sudan Tribune, reported.
The alliance said Mr. Youssef’s endorsement aligns with a pattern of bias within the AU leadership toward the military-led government.
The Sudan Constituent Alliance (Tasis), the political wing of the RSF, also condemned the AU’s stance, Sudan news outlet, Sudan Tribune, said.
In a press release, the group stated that Mr. Youssef’s remarks undermine his credibility and intentionally sabotage regional and international efforts to broker a comprehensive end to the conflict.
The alliance described the AU’s position as a departure from the fundamental principles agreed upon by African nations to resolve internal crises through impartial mediation.
The United Civil Forces Alliance (QUAMUM), which also supports the RSF, joined the criticism, Sudan Tribune said, warning that the AU’s backing of the government's plan threatens its role as a neutral mediator.
“The Commission is now providing direct support to the authorities in Port Sudan, raising fundamental questions about its integrity,” Osman Abdel Rahman Suleiman, the alliance spokesperson, said.
-0- PANA MA 1Jan2026
