The African Union has re-entered the Sudanese scene with a high-level delegation visiting Khartoum after a break of nearly three years. This step reflects a significant shift in relations between Sudan and the Union, raising questions about the possibility of ending Sudan's suspension from the continental organization.
The African Union suspended Sudan's membership on October 25, 2021, following actions taken by the Chairman of the Sovereignty Council, General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, which included dissolving the Sovereignty and Council of Ministers and imposing a state of emergency. The Union considered these steps a coup against the transitional process, while Burhan insisted they were "corrective measures" necessitated by circumstances.
Details of the Event
Since last Sunday, a delegation from the African Union, headed by its special envoy Mohamed Ben Belaych, has been visiting Sudan, where the delegation held discussions with senior Sudanese officials regarding the developments in the country. Ben Belaych confirmed that the visit aims to assess the ground situation in preparation for the reopening of the African Union office in Khartoum.
In this context, Sudanese Foreign Minister Mohieddin Salim stated that the situation in the capital is stable, with essential services available, and expressed his ministry's readiness to provide the necessary support to facilitate the reopening of the office.
Background & Context
It is worth noting that Khartoum had previously rejected any role for the African Union in efforts to end the crisis, accusing the outgoing Commission Chair Moussa Faki of bias. However, it seems that the situation has begun to change with the visit of the African delegation.
The African envoy for Women, Peace, and Security, Ambassador Liberata Mulamula, held consultations with the Deputy Chairman of the Sovereignty Council, Malik Agar, who affirmed the government's commitment to achieving peace and stability "by Sudanese hands," emphasizing that this should be done according to the principle of "solving African issues within the African house."
Impact & Consequences
Sudanese diplomatic sources revealed that Sudan has met the requirements set by the African Union to end the suspension of its membership, including amending the constitutional document and forming a civilian government. Influential countries within the African Peace and Security Council praised these steps, while other nations still oppose lifting the suspension.
Sudan is currently engaging with the Quintet mechanism involved in the peace process, which includes the United Nations, the African Union, the Arab League, and the European Union. Sudan is considered the only African country that has allowed the African Union to intervene in an internal crisis, while other nations, such as Ethiopia, have rejected African mediation in the Tigray conflict.
Regional Significance
In light of these developments, the African Peace and Security Council has called for a "swift and complete return to a democratically elected civilian-led government," reflecting the importance of Sudan's stability for the region. Writer and political researcher Walid Al-Tayeb believes that the African Union's position remains ambiguous, as it has not recognized the government of Kamal Idris despite changes in the situation.
Conversely, writer Saleh Al-Samani points out that the main reason for the suspension of membership still exists, which is the absence of a legitimate government with complete structures. He emphasizes that the African Union should avoid granting legitimacy to any party involved in the conflict, as this could complicate the crisis further.