The African Union (AU) has engaged in high-level talks with officials from the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia this week in an effort to secure support for ending the war in Sudan and achieving an immediate ceasefire, the AU announced on Thursday.
Mohamed Ibn Chambas, Chairperson of the AU’s High-Level Panel on Sudan (HLP-Sudan), conducted visits to both countries between September 9 and 12.
“The AU firmly believes there is no military solution to the ongoing conflict and is advocating for an immediate ceasefire, unrestricted humanitarian access, and a comprehensive political dialogue,” Chambas stated.
Sources close to the negotiations revealed that reviving the stalled Jeddah peace talks and bringing Sudan’s warring factions back to the negotiating table were key topics of discussion.
The Aligned for Advancing Lifesaving and Peace in Sudan Group (ALPS), which includes the AU, is expected to convene within the next two weeks to further coordinate peace efforts, according to sources.
During his visit to Abu Dhabi, Chambas met with UAE Minister of State Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan Al Nahyan and other officials. Both parties emphasized the urgency of a ceasefire and humanitarian aid access, with the UAE pledging to enhance its collaboration with the AU on peace and development initiatives.
In Riyadh, Chambas held productive talks with Saudi Deputy Foreign Minister Waleed Elkhereiji. Both agreed on the necessity of a ceasefire, aid access, and the coordination of international diplomatic efforts to resolve the crisis.
Meanwhile, U.S. Envoy to Sudan, Tom Perriello, is also on a regional tour to discuss the Sudan crisis, making stops in Riyadh, Cairo, and Ankara to rally support.
