Egypt’s push to restore Sudan’s AU seat fails to gain traction, sources say

August 4, 2025 (ADDIS ABABA) – An Egyptian push to have Sudan’s membership in the African Union reinstated failed to gain traction at a Peace and Security Council meeting on Monday, with sources saying the suspension will remain until free elections are held.

Sudan was suspended from the continental body after its military, led by army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, seized power from a civilian government in an October 2021 coup.

Two African Union sources told Sudan Tribune that Egypt lobbied to have the suspension placed on the agenda of Monday’s Peace and Security Council (PSC) meeting, but was unsuccessful.

“Sudan’s suspension will not be lifted before free and fair elections are held,” one of the sources said, speaking on condition of anonymity.

The sources said Cairo’s position in the closed-door session, where it argued for recognizing the army-led government as the state’s official institution, was met with resistance by other members.

As part of its broader diplomatic efforts, Egypt had also attempted to include Sudan’s military-backed government in quadrilateral talks in Washington, which were ultimately cancelled in late July.

While African nations remain divided over the conflict in Sudan, the council did reach a consensus on key principles, including the need to preserve the country’s unity, end the war, deliver aid, and support a comprehensive political process led by the AU and the regional bloc IGAD.

The emergency meeting on Sudan was held at the AU headquarters and chaired by Algeria’s representative, Ambassador Mohamed Khaled.

In a formal statement after the meeting, the PSC did not mention the membership debate, instead affirming that “Only a Sudanese-led, inclusive political process can end the crisis.“