Sudanese leader, Djibouti’s FM discuss potential IGAD return

October 14, 2024 (PORT SUDAN) – The head of the Sovereign Council, General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, met with Djibouti’s Foreign Minister Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, on Monday to discuss Sudan’s possible return to the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD).

In January, Sudan suspended its IGAD membership over the regional bloc’s engagement with RSF leader Mohamed Hamdan Daglo.

Youssouf delivered a letter from Djibouti’s President Ismail Omar Guelleh, the current IGAD chair, regarding bilateral relations and potential areas of cooperation.

Sudanese Foreign Minister Hussein Awad said the meeting focused on Sudan rejoining IGAD and included discussions on IGAD’s “missteps” in handling the Sudan crisis.

Awad stressed the need to separate Sudan’s relationship with Djibouti from its relationship with IGAD, pending the regional body’s “corrective measures and acknowledgement of errors.”

IGAD previously attempted to facilitate ceasefire talks between Burhan and Daglo in Djibouti in late 2023, but the meeting was postponed.

Guelleh’s letter expressed IGAD’s willingness to move forward and optimism about Sudan’s return as an active member, according to Awad.

Youssouf said his visit aimed to encourage Sudan to resume its role within IGAD. He regretted the “suffering caused by the ongoing war” and affirmed Djibouti’s commitment to monitoring the situation.

The conflict between the Sudanese army and the RSF began in April 2023, leading to widespread destruction, humanitarian suffering, and mass displacement.