African Union endorses Sudanese dialogue initiative to end war

The African Union Commission has endorsed a new Sudanese-led dialogue initiative intended to end the ongoing civil war and facilitate a return to civilian governance. The initiative aims to foster discussions among stakeholders within Sudan, overseen by an independent committee of Sudanese elders.

The African Union emphasized that for the political process to succeed, it must include wide-ranging consultations with civil society, political organizations, and various social groups. The bloc stressed the importance of inclusivity and genuine Sudanese ownership to ensure the process represents the priorities of the population.

Ultimately, the goal is to establish a united, sovereign, and peaceful Sudan governed by legitimate civilian institutions and a unified national security structure. This initiative is intended to complement the African Union’s existing roadmap and the work of the Quintet Mechanism, which includes the African Union, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development, the Arab League, the European Union, and the United Nations.

The conflict, which began in April 2023, involves clashes between the Sudanese Armed Forces, led by Abdel Fatah al-Burhan, and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, led by Mohamed Hamdan Daglo.