The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) is actively discussing the possibility of reestablishing Sudan’s membership to aid in resolving the country’s ongoing conflict, as stated by Lawrence Korbandy, IGAD’s envoy to Sudan.
Sudan voluntarily suspended its membership in January, rejecting the organization’s interference in its domestic matters. However, Korbandy, in a recent interview with Sudanese media, highlighted the critical need for Sudan to rejoin IGAD to prevent the conflict from becoming an international issue and to maintain an African-led approach.
“Reinstating Sudan is vital for multiple reasons,” Korbandy explained. “First, as a founding member, Sudan plays a key role within IGAD. Second, bringing Sudan back into the fold is crucial for keeping this conflict within African leadership, ensuring that any solutions are Sudanese-driven.”
Korbandy expressed confidence in IGAD’s ability to mediate disputes among its members and stressed the importance of Sudan’s involvement in achieving a resolution.
He also noted that IGAD is currently working on facilitating a meeting between Sudan’s military chief, General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, and Rapid Support Forces (RSF) leader, General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, commonly known as Hemedti.
“IGAD has historically succeeded in managing conflicts within its membership,” Korbandy said. “As for a potential meeting between Burhan and Hemedti, we are diligently working to make that happen.”
Touching upon recent talks in Geneva, Korbandy expressed disappointment with the lack of tangible outcomes, attributing this to external influences complicating the Sudanese situation. He emphasized that the next steps involve reconciling the conflicting parties, delivering humanitarian aid to affected communities, addressing displacement issues, and setting the stage for a political process to end the war.
Regarding the Jeddah Declaration, Korbandy pointed out that its implementation has been hampered by the absence of effective mechanisms. IGAD, he said, is working on developing practical solutions to ensure the declaration’s enforcement.
Korbandy further emphasized the urgency of halting military confrontations, stating, “We have consistently opposed the continuation of armed conflict, as it only worsens the humanitarian disaster faced by the people of Sudan.”
He concluded by affirming IGAD’s ongoing efforts to find a peaceful resolution to Sudan’s crisis while coordinating with all relevant stakeholders.