African Union, IGAD plan new Sudan mechanism – sources

May 21, 2025 (ADDIS ABABA) – The African Union (AU) Commission and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) are working with United Nations officials to establish a new mechanism to address the conflict in Sudan, sources within the AU told Sudan Tribune. The new body would be chaired by IGAD.

The initiative follows AU Commissioner Mahmoud Ali Youssef’s recent welcome of a new prime minister in Sudan. Youssef reiterated the continental body’s support for the Sudanese people and the country, which has been in conflict since mid-April 2023.

AU and IGAD officials recently held separate meetings with UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy Ramtane Lamamra and AU Commissioner Youssef, other AU sources said. Discussions at these meetings included the Sudan file and the creation of a joint mechanism, to be led by IGAD.

Informal communications are also ongoing between the AU Commission and Sudan’s government in Port Sudan, the sources reported.

While the AU Commissioner is expected to play a more direct role in the Sudan file, sources expressed skepticism about the African Peace and Security Council lifting Sudan’s membership suspension.

Sudan Tribune’s reporting indicates that the Sudanese government’s recent appointment of a civilian prime minister is part of a new action plan. AU principles prohibit recognition of coups or military changes of power.

A Sudanese official within the AU is reportedly drafting an action plan for military leaders aimed at ending Sudan’s membership suspension in the organization. The official and the commissioner elected at the African Summit in February have a “significant understanding,” the report added.