International mediation efforts on Sudan intensified this week as organisers postponed a consultative meeting of Sudanese political groups that had been scheduled for July 27 in Addis Ababa.
Multiple sources said the meeting, convened by the international “Quintet,” has been pushed back until September. The group includes the United Nations, African Union, European Union, Intergovernmental Authority on Development and Arab League.
Al-Tahir Al-Mutasim, editor-in-chief of Sawt Al-Umma newspaper, said the delay was expected following objections raised by the Nairobi Declaration forces over the proposed list of participants.
The coalition reportedly rejected what it described as attempts to flood the talks with political organisations linked to the former regime. Al-Mutasim said the group could boycott the meeting unless its concerns are addressed.
The Declaration of Principles forces have also called for a fundamental review of the political process and demanded that it be aligned with the roadmap proposed by the international Quartet.
Meanwhile, the UN secretary-general’s personal envoy for Sudan, Pekka Haavisto, concluded a four-day visit to Uganda this week, during which he met President Yoweri Museveni and other senior Ugandan officials.
UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric said Haavisto and Museveni discussed recent developments in Sudan, ongoing mediation efforts and the conditions facing Sudanese refugees.
During his visit, Haavisto also held meetings with Sudanese political figures and representatives of civil society.
Speaking to Radio Dabanga, Al-Mutasim said the envoy’s visit was aimed partly at assessing the situation of Sudanese refugees in Kampala and encouraging regional governments to intensify their efforts to support peace in Sudan.
The postponement of the Addis Ababa meeting highlights the continuing divisions among Sudanese political groups and the difficulties facing international attempts to establish an inclusive process for ending the country’s war.
