IGAD urges West Africa members to end Sudan crisis

The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) Executive Secretary, Workneh Gebeyehu, today made an impassioned plea to leaders and member states to take collective action and end the suffering of the Sudanese people.

Speaking at the 41st Extraordinary Assembly of IGAD Heads of State and Government in Djibouti, Gebeyehu emphasized the urgency of resolving the Sudanese crisis. “The challenges the Sudanese people are facing demand our collective wisdom, commitment, and concrete action,” he declared.

Gebeyehu acknowledged the critical juncture facing the region due to the ongoing conflict in Sudan, which he described as a “shadow” cast over the aspiration of a peaceful and prosperous Horn of Africa.

He expressed appreciation for the partial agreement reached during the Jeddah talks, highlighting its significance as a step forward in ensuring humanitarian access. However, he stressed that the agreement requires “leadership, urgent attention, and effective implementation” to alleviate the suffering of the Sudanese people.

“It is our moral duty to expedite the implementation of the partial resolution of the Jeddah agreement as our fellow citizens continue to suffer in this protracted conflict,” Gebeyehu added.

He emphasized the crucial role of regional leadership, particularly President Ismail Omar Guelleh and other heads of state, in mobilizing political and diplomatic support at all levels. “We must insist on the immediate establishment of a ceasefire agreement, silencing the guns that have been wreaking havoc on the lives of innocent civilians in Sudan,” he declared.

Gebeyehu underscored the unity of the IGAD family in its determination to achieve a cessation of hostilities, creating the necessary space and conditions for comprehensive and inclusive dialogue.

Echoing Gebeyehu’s concerns, African Union Commissioner Moussa Faki Mahamat painted a grim picture of the situation in Sudan. He described a deteriorating situation with widespread human rights violations and immense suffering among civilians.

Mahamat acknowledged the tireless efforts of the AU since the 2019 regime change in Sudan, highlighting the positive results achieved through collaboration with Ethiopia. However, he cautioned against the “multiplicity of parallel initiatives” that often complicate rather than facilitate a solution.

He urged all parties to solemnly commit to the joint IGAD-AU action supported by the expanded mechanism and its core group.

The Assembly concluded with a renewed commitment from leaders and member states to work together to end the suffering in Sudan and build a more peaceful and prosperous Horn of Africa.

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