Museveni Chairs AU meeting to forge path to peace in Sudan

President Museveni convened a virtual meeting to address the conflict in Sudan as Chairperson for the African Union Peace and Security Council
The conflict in Sudan has been fueled by ideological errors and divisive politics of identity, leading to a cycle of violence
The dire humanitarian situation in Sudan, with severe hunger crisis and fatalities in displacement camps, was compared to global conflicts like those in Ukraine and Gaza

The Sudanese conflict, as President Museveni highlighted, has been primarily fueled by deep-seated ideological errors committed by the country's leaders. He cited the divisive politics of identity—pitting Africans against Arabs and Muslims against Christians—as a fundamental cause of the prolonged conflict. This division, according to Museveni, has led to a cycle of violence exacerbated by the use of force and the involvement of poorly trained, ideologically misguided individuals armed by both internal and external forces.

During the discussions, President Museveni was forthright about the errors that have led to the catastrophic situation in Sudan, emphasizing the need for the warring factions, namely the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), to cease hostilities and engage in meaningful dialogue. He advocated for a shift from a military approach to one that prioritizes dialogue and reconciliation, allowing the Sudanese people to ultimately decide their leadership through democratic means.

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The urgency of the situation was underscored by Dr. Mohamed Ibn Chambas, Chairperson of the African Union High-Level Panel on Sudan, who compared the dire circumstances in Sudan with other global conflicts, highlighting that Sudan is facing a severe hunger crisis worse than those in Ukraine and Gaza. With over two million people facing emergency levels of hunger and daily fatalities in displacement camps, the call for immediate action was clear and desperate.

Moussa Faki Mahamat, the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, reiterated the necessity of achieving a ceasefire. He stressed the importance of the African Union's role in facilitating the peace process through dialogue and negotiations, aiming for national reconciliation and a democratic transition. Mahamat's call for strengthened international solidarity reflects a broader consensus on the need for global cooperation to support Sudan during this transitional phase.

The IGAD Executive Secretary, H.E. Dr. Workneh Gebeyehu, also emphasized the importance of coordinated efforts among regional and international partners. He highlighted the extensive suffering of the Sudanese people and the critical need for a peaceful resolution, advocating for peace as a priority over continued conflict.

Additionally, the meeting addressed the imperative of protecting civilians caught in the crossfire. The African Union Commission, in coordination with the African Commission on Human and People’s Rights, was tasked with investigating the situation and recommending practical measures to safeguard civilians and ensure their security amidst ongoing hostilities.

A representative from the United Nations, H.E. Antonio Guterres, also participated in the meeting, underscoring the global concern for the Sudanese crisis and the international community’s commitment to supporting AU-led peace initiatives.

The meeting concluded with a strong consensus on the need for an immediate halt to hostilities and the commencement of a dialogue-driven process that centers the well-being and preferences of the Sudanese populace. This gathering marked a significant step towards reconciling the profound divisions that have long hindered peace in Sudan, with African leaders showing a united front in their approach to resolving one of the continent's most enduring conflicts.