The African Union (AU) has reopened its liaison office in Port Sudan as part of renewed efforts to address the escalating conflict that has gripped Sudan since April 2023. This move follows an October 9 meeting of the AU’s Peace and Security Council (PSC), where the council reaffirmed its commitment to facilitating a peaceful resolution to the violence.
The reopening of the office will allow the AU to engage more effectively with Sudanese parties and provide essential technical support in peacebuilding, restoring civilian governance, and addressing humanitarian needs. The PSC emphasized that the liaison office would be instrumental in fostering communication among Sudanese stakeholders and contributing to efforts to end the war.
In its communiqué, the PSC strongly condemned the ongoing violence, highlighting the alarming instances of sexual violence and child abuse. It called for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire. Additionally, the council urged the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) to end their siege on El Fasher, North Darfur’s capital, and permit humanitarian access to affected regions.
Reiterating its stance that a political solution remains the most viable path to peace, the PSC expressed its continued support for the formation of a civilian-led transitional government in Sudan.
Sudan, meanwhile, has requested the AU lift the suspension of its membership, which was enforced following the military coup in 2021 that disrupted the transitional government. Egypt, which currently chairs the PSC, backed Sudan’s request, while Sudanese diplomats accused the AU of “double standards” for not suspending other member states without elected governments.
The PSC urged all stakeholders to cooperate with its newly established ad hoc committee on Sudan. This committee is scheduled to hold its inaugural meeting on October 23 in Entebbe, Uganda, to explore further actions for resolving the conflict.