The African Union (AU) reaffirmed its opposition to military coups and called for an immediate ceasefire and political dialogue to address Sudan’s ongoing crisis.
The country has been seeking reinstatement of its AU membership, which was suspended following General al-Burhan’s coup on October 25, 2021.
General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, current leader of SAF, has argued that the AU should lift sanctions before engaging in mediation efforts.
However, AU Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace, and Security, Bankole Adeoye, made the organisation’s stance against the SAF and General al-Burhan clear : “The AU maintains zero tolerance for unconstitutional changes of government.”
Adeoye emphasized the need for inclusive dialogue involving both civilian and political actors, stating, “A military solution alone cannot resolve the crisis.”
He highlighted the AU’s collaboration with IGAD and the United Nations to achieve a practical resolution, beginning with a ceasefire and ensuring humanitarian access.
The deployment of an AU peace mission, he noted, depends on securing a durable truce. Adeoye also addressed structural issues, including equitable power-sharing between central and regional authorities, protecting marginalized communities, preventing ethnic violence, and guaranteeing aid delivery.
