The Executive Secretary of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), Workneh Gebeyehu, concluded a visit to Sudan on Thursday, pledging the regional bloc’s support for Sudanese-led efforts to end the conflict and rebuild the country.
The visit marks IGAD’s renewed engagement with Sudan after Khartoum resumed full participation in the eight-member regional bloc earlier this year.
During the visit, Gebeyehu held talks with Sudan’s Transitional Sovereignty Council Chairman, General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, and Prime Minister Kamil Idris. The discussions focused on the country’s security situation, prospects for a political settlement, strengthening state institutions and addressing the humanitarian crisis.
Speaking to reporters in Khartoum, Gebeyehu said peace in Sudan could only be achieved through the Sudanese people and that IGAD’s role was to facilitate dialogue rather than impose solutions.
“We are here to discuss the situation and exchange ideas on how to bring lasting peace to Sudan,” he said.
He expressed condolences to those killed during the conflict and condemned reported human rights violations, particularly in al-Fashir and other parts of the country.
“We cannot impose peace on Sudan. The Sudanese people, intellectuals and politicians are the ones who can bring peace. Our role is facilitation and support,” Gebeyehu said.
He said IGAD was prepared to work closely with al-Burhan’s government and other stakeholders committed to peace.
“I appreciate General al-Burhan for his commitment to peace, and I assure him that IGAD will work closely with his government in supporting peace in Sudan,” he added.
A key outcome of the visit was the reopening of IGAD’s mission in Khartoum, which the organisation said would strengthen coordination with the Sudanese government, regional partners and international organisations while supporting peacebuilding and recovery efforts.
Gebeyehu said Sudan’s stability was critical to the Horn of Africa, describing the country as a founding member of IGAD and an important link between Africa and the Arab world.
IGAD said it would continue working with the Sudanese government, the African Union, the United Nations and other international partners to support efforts aimed at restoring peace, stability and long-term development in the country.
Sudan has been engulfed in conflict since April 2023, when fighting erupted between the army and the RSF over plans to integrate the paramilitary force into the military. The war has triggered one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises, killing tens of thousands and displacing nearly 13 million.
Sudan resumed its participation in IGAD earlier this year after relations with the regional bloc had been strained over mediation efforts during the conflict.
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