Sudanese CSOs criticise AU for backing govt's peace plan
Khartoum, Sudan (PANA) - Sudanese civil society organisations (CSOs) have expressed their unhappiness with the African Union Commission (AUC) for welcoming a peace initiative proposed by the government, calling it a “dangerous shift” from regional consensus and a sign of institutional bias.
The Chairperson of the AUC, Mahmoud Ali Youssef, on Tuesday welcomed the peace initiative presented by the Sudanese Prime Minister Kamil Idris to the United Nations Security Council, describing it as “a solid foundation” for achieving sustainable peace.
The initiative includes several provisions, such as the withdrawal of the Rapid Support Forces (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.
In a statement, the group argued that the commissioner’s support contradicts AU protocols that prioritise negotiated settlements over military-centric solutions.
SOMOUD accused the AU of disregarding a previous Quad roadmap that called for an unconditional three-month humanitarian truce, charging that the Commission is providing political cover for the ruling authorities at the expense of its own neutrality. The Quad comprises the US, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and UAE.
The Sudan Constituent Alliance (Tasis), the political wing of the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), also condemned the AU’s stance, 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 characterised 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, told Sudan Tribune.
Suleiman said the Commission is responsible for complicating the political landscape by supporting an initiative, he claims, seeks to entrench military rule and encourages commanders to remain in power.
The various civil groups called on the African Union to return to supporting frameworks that address the root causes of the Sudanese crisis.
-0- PANA MA 1Jan2026
