The Kenya-led IGAD Quartet has called for consolidation of all Sudan peace initiatives under ‘all-inclusive IGAD-AU led platform’.
The appeal for unity in resolving the Sudan crisis came after the second meeting of the IGAD Quartet group of countries held in Nairobi, Kenya’s capital on Wednesday.
During the meeting, Heads of State and Government emphasized the importance of a structured approach to peace talks between the conflicting parties.
The session was presided over by Kenya’s President William Ruto, who also serves as the Chair of the IGAD Quartet.
The leaders proposed a comprehensive consultation with civilian actors to address the conflict that erupted in mid-April between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), the rival factions of Sudan’s military government.
“The IGAD QUARTETgroup of countries recommends that in the spirit of “African Solutions to African Problems” IGAD and the AU combine their efforts with the countries neighbouring the Sudan,” read the communique in part calling on the international actors to support the proposal.
The meeting was attended by Djibouti’s President and Chairperson of IGAD Ismail Omar Guelleh, south Sudan’s Salva Kiir Mayardit, IGAD’s Deputy Chairperson and Abreham Belay, Minister of Defence of Ethiopia who represented Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali.
IGAD’s Executive Secretary, Workneh Gebeyehu and African Union Commission Chairperson Moussa Faki also participated in the meeting.
The leaders further mandated IGAD and the African Union to accelerate the consultations to map the agenda, venue and identify participants and other relevant matters in support of a political dialogue that “clearly defines a Sudanese-owned and Sudanese-led political process.”
Acknowledging consultations with various stakeholders and an invitation to participate in the Jeddah process on a Short-Term Ceasefire and Humanitarian Arrangements, the IGAD Quartet proposed the unification of all peace initiatives for Sudan under a comprehensive framework addressing conflict, humanitarian access, and long-term political dialogue to achieve lasting peace.
The leaders expressed concern over the deteriorating situation in Sudan, with escalating violence spreading to outlying regions
They cautioned that the conflict was becoming increasingly complex and could potentially take on a regional dimension due to the involvement of other armed groups.
They also highlighted the rapid proliferation of small arms and light weapons, posing significant security, humanitarian, and political risks to Sudan and the broader region.
The IGAD Quartet re affirmed its stance that there is no military solution to the Sudan conflict but dialogue.
“The IGAD Quartet reiterates that there is no military solution to the conflict in the Republic of Sudan and in this regard, re-commits the Quartet Heads of State and Government to delivering a face-to-face meeting between the warring parties,” they said.
The leaders decried the worsening humanitarian crisis, population displacement, and severe food shortages.
In a bid to address these challenges, the IGAD Quartet pledged to mobilize USD 1 million from each member state for humanitarian assistance and to support the peace process, expressing solidarity with the people of Sudan.
They extended their gratitude to the international community for its humanitarian efforts to mitigate the effects of the ongoing war.
The IGAD Quartet urged the international community, neighboring countries, and friends of Sudan to escalate and sustain their support for humanitarian action and the peace process for the benefit of the Sudanese people.
