Inside ZamZam refugee camp in South Sudan. Photo/Courtesy
By Daisy Okiring
The African Union Commission (AUC) and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) have thrown their weight behind a new international initiative calling for a three-month truce in Sudan, rapid humanitarian access, and a transition to inclusive civilian-led governance.
The move, announced on Sunday, comes as Sudan reels from months of devastating conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a war that has killed thousands, displaced millions, and sparked a growing humanitarian emergency.
AU and IGAD endorse new peace push
In a joint statement, the two African organizations welcomed Friday’s appeal by the Quad—comprising Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and the United States—for an immediate ceasefire to ease civilian suffering.
“The African Union and IGAD welcome the call for rapid humanitarian access and protection of civilians, as well as the three-month humanitarian truce, to be pursued through the Jeddah process, as a first step towards a permanent cessation of hostilities,” the statement read.
The AU and IGAD also endorsed the Quad’s proposal for a nine-month transition period culminating in a civilian-led government, warning regional powers against fueling the conflict through military interference or extremist influence.
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International partners prepare for October consultations
The AU and IGAD confirmed they will join hands with the United Nations, the European Union, and the League of Arab States to convene fresh consultations with Sudanese civilian groups in October.
The meetings are expected to unify Sudan’s fragmented political and civil movements and pave the way for an inclusive national dialogue.
“Like the Quad, the African Union and IGAD believe there can be no military solution to the Sudanese crisis. We reaffirm our readiness to work with the Sudanese people and international partners to restore constitutional governance,” the statement added.
Sudan’s Sovereign Council pushes back
Hours after the statement, Sudan’s Sovereign Council pushed back, saying the fate of the war must be determined by Sudanese themselves.
“The authority to decide the path of this conflict lies only with the Sudanese people,” the council said, rejecting what it described as external attempts to impose a ceasefire.
The response highlights the challenges facing the peace push, as both the SAF and RSF remain locked in a deadly struggle for control, with neither side showing readiness to compromise.
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Humanitarian crisis deepens
According to the United Nations, more than 13 million Sudanese children are currently out of school, while nearly half of the country’s population requires urgent humanitarian aid. Aid agencies warn that without immediate humanitarian corridors, the country faces famine and disease outbreaks.
The war has devastated Sudan’s fragile economy, destroyed infrastructure, and pushed millions into neighboring countries such as Chad, Egypt, and South Sudan.
Analysts say the proposed three-month truce could provide a critical window for aid delivery and for Sudanese groups to regroup politically.
Growing regional stakes
Sudan’s conflict has also heightened tensions in the Horn of Africa and the wider Middle East, with regional powers accused of backing rival factions. IGAD and the AU cautioned that external interference risks prolonging the war and undermining prospects for peace.
“This war is not just a Sudanese crisis—it threatens regional stability, trade, and security,” said one diplomat involved in the consultations.
Road to civilian transition
The nine-month transition plan endorsed by the AU, IGAD, and the Quad is designed to restore civilian leadership following years of military dominance since the ouster of Omar al-Bashir in 2019.
Under the plan, Sudan would embark on a civilian-led transitional government tasked with constitutional reform, rebuilding state institutions, and preparing for democratic elections.
Observers, however, warn that both the SAF and RSF may resist, given their entrenched positions and control over economic resources.
Uncertain path ahead
While the AU and IGAD’s support has given the initiative a strong African backing, success will depend on convincing Sudan’s warring parties to commit. Previous ceasefires have collapsed within days, with both sides accusing each other of violations.
Still, international pressure continues to mount, with growing consensus that peace in Sudan is crucial not only for its citizens but also for regional stability across Africa and the Middle East.
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