The African Union (AU) has reaffirmed its rejection of Sudan’s reinstatement following the 2021 military coup, insisting on a transitional process that includes civilian and political actors. The decision was reiterated during the 15th consultative meeting between the AU Peace and Security Council and the European Union Political and Security Committee in Addis Ababa.
Sudan’s suspension from the AU came after General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan seized power in October 2021. AU Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace, and Security, Bankole Adeoye, stressed the union’s commitment to “zero tolerance for unconstitutional coups” and emphasized the importance of civilian involvement in resolving the Sudanese crisis.
The AU is collaborating with the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and the United Nations to address the situation, with a focus on achieving a ceasefire and ensuring humanitarian access. Adeoye highlighted that the deployment of an AU mission to Sudan is contingent on a sustainable ceasefire agreement.
A roadmap for ending the conflict has been proposed, but Sudan’s military leaders have called for the restoration of the country’s AU membership before agreeing to the plan. The AU also voiced concerns about external influences exacerbating the ongoing conflict between the Sudanese military and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which has led to widespread displacement and a severe humanitarian crisis.
In addition to Sudan, the AU-EU meeting also discussed other regional issues, including the ongoing challenges in Somalia and the Sahel.
