AU backs new Sudanese-led dialogue to end conflict

The African Union Commission has welcomed the launch of a new initiative aimed at facilitating a Sudanese-Sudanese dialogue within the country, saying the process should bring together all civil, political and societal stakeholders to chart a path towards ending the armed conflict.

The Commission, in a statement on Monday, said its leadership had since the outbreak of the Sudanese crisis in April 2023 sought to bridge divisions among Sudanese stakeholders and create conditions for peace and stability through dialogue.

The AU Commission said, “Since the outbreak of the Sudanese crisis in April 2023, the leadership of the African Union Commission has sought to bridge the divides among Sudanese stakeholders and foster an environment conducive to ending the armed conflict—thereby ensuring peace and stability in Sudan—by embedding a culture of dialogue to build a shared national vision.”

It added that the Commission’s leadership had consistently advocated the preservation of Sudan’s unity and national institutions.

“Therefore, the leadership of the African Union Commission has consistently called for upholding unity and national institutions, and for working to consolidate the democratic state,” the statement said.

According to the AU Commission, the new initiative would facilitate a Sudanese-Sudanese dialogue within Sudan under the supervision of an independent committee of Sudanese elders.

“In this context, the leadership of the Commission welcomes the launch of an initiative to facilitate a Sudanese-Sudanese dialogue within Sudan, under the supervision of an independent committee of Sudanese elders,” the statement added.

The Commission said the success of the proposed political process would depend on broad consultations involving Sudanese civil, political and societal stakeholders, stressing the need for inclusivity and local ownership.

“To ensure the success of this ambitious political process, the Commission’s leadership recommends that consultations encompass all Sudanese civil, political, and societal stakeholders, based on the principles of inclusivity and genuine Sudanese ownership and leadership,” it stated.

The AU Commission said the process should ultimately lead to “a united, sovereign, and peaceful Sudan” governed by civilian institutions and supported by a unified national security architecture.

“The ultimate goal should be a united, sovereign, and peaceful Sudan governed by legitimate civilian institutions, with one national security architecture and effective mechanisms for resolving political and social differences peacefully,” the statement said.

It added that the initiative aligned with existing African Union efforts and the Quintet Mechanism’s track towards resolving the Sudanese crisis.

“Undoubtedly, the initiative reinforces the African Union’s roadmap and the track of the Quintet Mechanism within a coherent strategy led by Sudanese stakeholders,” the Commission stated.