African Union maintains Sudan suspension, backs Idris peace plan
February 12, 2026 (ADDIS ABABA) – The African Union Peace and Security Council on Thursday maintained its suspension of Sudan’s membership while endorsing a comprehensive national peace initiative and demanding an immediate end to foreign military support for the warring parties.
In a communiqué following its 1,330th meeting, the council also signalled a shift in the diplomatic landscape by welcoming the return of the Sudanese transitional government to the permanent capital, Khartoum.
The ministerial-level meeting, chaired by Egypt, reinforced the continental bloc’s refusal to recognize the “parallel government” established by the Sudan Founding Alliance (Tasis) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
The council urged all member states and international partners to reject the rival administration, citing the need to protect Sudan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
A central highlight of the session was the council’s formal welcome of the Sudanese National Initiative for Peace, presented by Prime Minister Kamil Idris on Dec. 22, 2025.
The council described the plan, which covers a comprehensive ceasefire, civilian protection, security sector reform and national reconciliation, as the essential foundation for rebuilding the country’s social fabric.
The humanitarian situation drew sharp concern from the ministers, who issued a stark warning regarding reported famine and starvation, particularly in the besieged city of El Fasher.
The council condemned systematic killings and ethnic targeting attributed to the RSF in North Darfur and demanded unhindered humanitarian access. It further emphasized that there can be no sustainable military solution to the conflict.
In a move to increase pressure on external actors, the council directed its sanctions sub-committee to collaborate with the Committee of Intelligence and Security Services of Africa (CISSA) and AFRIPOL.
This joint effort aims to identify foreign entities that provide military or financial support to combatants and, within three months, propose measures to contain them.
The council also underscored the importance of the “Quintet” coordination mechanism, comprising the AU, IGAD, the Arab League, the United Nations and the European Union, to ensure a coherent mediation process.
To bolster its on-the-ground engagement, the AU announced plans to reopen its liaison office in Sudan and to conduct a field mission to engage directly with local stakeholders.
The communiqué concluded by noting that the return of federal institutions to Khartoum marks a vital step toward restoring public services. It appealed to the international community to urgently fulfil financial pledges made at previous donor conferences in Geneva, Paris and London to support both the Sudanese people and neighbouring countries hosting millions of refugees.