INTERVIEW-IGAD envoy says Sudan return discussed, ceasefire priority
March 30, 2025 (ADDIS ABABA) -Talks involving Sudanese military and civilian parties are exploring the country’s potential return to the East African bloc, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), which envoy Lawrence Korbandy said on Sunday is “on the table.”
Sudan’s government froze its membership in IGAD in January 2024, saying Khartoum was not bound by the organisation’s decisions on Sudanese affairs.
In an interview with the Sudan Tribune news outlet on Sunday, Korbandy said recent international envoy meetings were mainly for coordination, and confirmed that arranging a meeting between the heads of Sudan’s army and the rival Rapid Support Forces (RSF) was discussed.
He also said the possibility of deploying forces in Sudan was under consultation with the parties and that a draft proposal required “further development.”
The following are excerpts from the interview:
Q: What was the nature of the recent meetings of international envoys to Sudan, and what was discussed?
Korbandy: These meetings were primarily for coordination among the international envoys handling the Sudan file. Several agenda items concerning the situation in Sudan were discussed, most importantly achieving an immediate ceasefire and delivering humanitarian aid. The impact of the war was also reviewed, including its effects on the environment, infrastructure, the psychological toll, as well as internal displacement, refugee flows, and the halt to the economic engine in this resource-rich country.
Q: What are the expectations regarding forming a single initiative to resolve the crisis and stop the war in Sudan?
Korbandy: We have all agreed to work in a unified spirit to end the Sudanese dilemma and to coordinate jointly among international envoys to bring a definitive end to the war. This will be achieved by stopping the war, which has exhausted the Sudanese people and caused them significant harm. Additionally, efforts include reviving the Jeddah platform once again.
Q: With the Army insisting on a military solution, what do you foresee regarding the situation in Sudan?
Korbandy: The situation will undoubtedly worsen, especially in terms of humanitarian issues, and we will witness hostile actions from both sides. However, as we have consistently stated, there is absolutely no military solution to this conflict, based on much evidence, and history itself clarifies this point.
Q: What about Sudan’s return to IGAD and adherence to its decisions, especially since the Port Sudan government has consistently rejected IGAD initiatives and moved to freeze Sudan’s membership?
Korbandy: Communication between us continues uninterrupted, and we are in contact with all Sudanese parties, both military and civilian. Sudan’s return is on the table, and we have held several deliberations with them on this matter.
Q: Is there coordination with partners (United States – Saudi Arabia) to resume dialogue or hold a meeting between Burhan and Hemedti?
Korbandy: The matter was raised in the recent meeting of international envoys held in Addis Ababa, and we agreed to pursue this in coordination with all partners.
Q: Given the external interventions in Sudan’s war and support for the parties, why hasn’t IGAD taken steps to stop this?
Korbandy: Our role as a mediator requires us to contact all parties for one goal: achieving peace and stability in Sudan. We urge all parties to work together to stop the shedding of Sudanese blood.
Q: The African Union affirms a stance of not dealing with coup leaders and unconstitutional changes on the continent. How does IGAD handle this situation with the government in Port Sudan?
Korbandy: Several countries have had this decision applied to them, with their membership suspended from the African Union (AU) according to regulations. We are currently facing a catastrophic situation in Sudan, and there is a reality on the ground that must be dealt with.
Q: There are massive violations occurring in Sudan, and a severe blockade policy imposed by warring parties on citizens, using starvation tactics. Why hasn’t IGAD condemned this behavior?
Korbandy: IGAD has issued numerous statements regarding the violations and massacres that have occurred in Sudan. We condemn any massacre targeting civilians in all IGAD member states, as IGAD places citizens at the top of its priorities.
Q: You previously spoke about ideas related to deploying forces to protect civilians in Sudan, yet no steps have been taken?
Korbandy: The matter is subject to further development in the draft proposal, as well as consultations with all parties.
Q: Following the election of a new African Union Commissioner, there are concerns about the continuation of the Sudanese crisis, especially with analyses suggesting the new position might be close to the Sudanese Army?
Korbandy: This is a question the African Union can answer. However, the African Union has regulations and laws governing its work, and matters are not subject to personal whims.