IGAD leaders gathered in Djibouti today for the 41st Extraordinary Assembly, where the dire situation in Sudan dominated discussions.
Urgent action needed to alleviate suffering: IGAD Executive Secretary Workneh Gebeyehu opened the session by calling for a collective response to the “imminent suffering” of the Sudanese people. He emphasized that resolving the conflict and alleviating human rights violations required “collective wisdom, commitment, and concrete action.”
Peace a critical juncture: The executive secretary noted that the ongoing conflict in Sudan threatened the entire region’s aspirations for peace and prosperity. He expressed appreciation for the recent Jeddah talks that yielded a partial agreement on humanitarian access, but stressed the need for “leadership, urgent attention, and effective implementation” to make a difference.
Accelerated implementation crucial: Workneh urged fellow leaders to expedite the Jeddah agreement’s implementation, reminding them of the “moral duty” to help their Sudanese brothers and sisters. He highlighted the crucial role of President Guelleh and other leaders in mobilizing regional, continental, and global support.
Immediate ceasefire demanded: “We must insist on the immediate establishment of a ceasefire agreement,” Workneh stressed, calling for an end to the violence that has devastated countless lives. He emphasized that silencing the guns was essential to create the space for dialogue and lasting peace.
IGAD united for peace: The executive secretary underscored the importance of IGAD’s unity in achieving a cessation of hostilities. He stated that only through collective action could the necessary conditions for comprehensive and inclusive dialogue emerge.
AU echoes concerns: African Union Commissioner Moussa Faki Mahamat echoed IGAD’s concerns, noting the deteriorating situation in Sudan and widespread human rights violations. He commended the AU’s efforts since the 2019 regime change but acknowledged the ongoing challenges.
Multiplicity of initiatives a concern: Commissioner Mahamat expressed concern about the “multiplicity of parallel initiatives,” suggesting they could complicate rather than facilitate a solution. He urged all parties to commit to the joint IGAD-AU action plan supported by the expanded mechanism and its core group.
Hope remains: Despite the challenges, the IGAD assembly concluded with a renewed commitment to ending the suffering in Sudan. Leaders expressed hope that through collective action and a unified front, peace and prosperity could return to the region.
