Sudanese political groups criticize AU talks for lack of inclusivity
February 22, 2025 (ADDIS ABABA) – Several Sudanese political groups and armed movements allied with the army criticized the African Union (AU) on Saturday for not inviting key political actors to consultations held among Sudanese factions in the Ethiopian capital, declaring the meeting’s outcomes would not bind them.
The political consultations, facilitated by the AU in Addis Ababa, concluded on Friday without reaching a consensus. These meetings are part of ongoing international and regional efforts to end the crisis in Sudan.
A joint statement signed by some 18 political parties, armed movements, and civil society organizations allied with the Sudanese army said, “The failure to invite several major forces in the political arena represents a regrettable oversight that limits the chances of success of this initiative and raises questions about the extent of the African Union’s commitment to the principles of neutrality and inclusiveness in addressing the Sudanese crisis.”
The statement rejected the participation of the group that took part in the Nairobi conference, which it said aims to tear Sudan apart and supports what it called the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) militia, which it accused of committing heinous crimes against the Sudanese people. It added that the group should be excluded from any political process.
The signatories called for guaranteed fair and balanced representation that includes all active political and social forces, allowing for a more inclusive and effective dialogue process. They also demanded a course correction of the current consultations to ensure non-selective participation, thus enhancing confidence in any proposed solutions to address the crisis.
They stressed the need to review coordination and consultation mechanisms within the African Union to ensure a dialogue environment that reflects the Sudanese reality and is free from exclusion or bias toward any party.
The statement said the outcomes of these consultations, currently being held at the AU headquarters in Addis Ababa, do not reflect their vision or obligate the national political and societal forces. It emphasized that any political solution must stem from a comprehensive Sudanese process that preserves the country’s unity and considers all its citizens’ interests.
The joint statement was signed by Jaafar al-Mirghani, head of the Democratic Bloc and deputy head of the original Democratic Unionist Party; Minni Arko Minnawi, head of the Sudan Liberation Movement; Mohamed al-Amin Turk, head of the Eastern Sudan Coordination; and Abdallah Yahya, head of the Sudan Liberation Forces Alliance.