African Union calls for Ramadan ceasefire in Sudan, condemns external actors
February 19, 2025 (ADDIS ABABA) – The African Union’s Peace and Security Council on Wednesday urged warring parties in Sudan to observe a humanitarian ceasefire during the holy month of Ramadan, which begins in March.
Last Friday, the council convened a special session to discuss developments in Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo. On Wednesday, the second round of Sudanese preparatory talks began in Addis Ababa under the auspices of the African Union Commission.
In a statement seen by Sudan Tribune, the council expressed deep concern over the continued escalation of the conflict between the warring parties, particularly the ongoing commission of war crimes, crimes against humanity, and other serious human rights violations, as well as violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law.
The council reiterated its call for the two parties to reach an immediate, permanent, and unconditional ceasefire and return to negotiations, followed by a comprehensive national dialogue and political transition.
It stressed that there is no military solution to the current war.
The council strongly condemned all forms of violations of international humanitarian law and human rights law and warned perpetrators that they would be held accountable for their actions. It reiterated the need to protect civilians.
The council also reiterated its condemnation of all forms of external interference that fuel the Sudanese conflict, which is a flagrant violation of all Security Council resolutions, and demanded that they stop immediately. It called on all actors, including states and non-governmental entities, to cease all military and financial support to the warring parties.
In the same vein, the council urged the warring parties to ensure safe and unhindered access to humanitarian assistance to populations in need and called on them to facilitate the opening of humanitarian corridors to deliver much-needed aid.
The council emphasized the critical importance of an inclusive, Sudanese-led and Sudanese-owned political dialogue as the only viable path towards a consensual and sustainable solution to the current crisis.
It called on all Sudanese stakeholders to set aside their differences and personal interests and focus on national dialogue, reconciliation, and social cohesion as the best option to resolve the Sudanese crisis for the greater interest of the Sudanese people and Sudan.
The council welcomed progress in activating the Ad Hoc Presidential Committee of the Peace and Security Council on Sudan. It commended Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni’s leadership as chair of the committee for the steps already taken towards convening it. It encouraged him to continue to spare no effort in facilitating engagements between the leaders of the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces.
Through the statement, the council requested the African Union Commission, through the High-Level Panel and in close coordination with the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and neighbouring countries, to continue to engage civilian actors in an inclusive, Sudanese-owned process.
It expressed deep concern over the continued armed conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces and its negative impact on the Sudanese people and the region, as well as the continued siege around El Fasher in North Darfur State.