Sudan’s government pulls out of IGAD Summit, demands prior direct talks

Port Sudan, January 13, 2024 – The Sudanese government has withdrawn from the upcoming IGAD extraordinary summit, scheduled for January 18, citing the need for a crucial face-to-face meeting between Sudan’s top military leaders, President Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (Hemetti), to address pressing issues before broader discussions can take place.

In a December 9 meeting, IGAD leaders agreed to organize a direct meeting between Burhan and Hemetti on December 28. However, Hemetti later cancelled the meeting, attributing the decision to scheduling conflicts related to his regional tour.

On Saturday, the Sudanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement expressing dissatisfaction with IGAD’s handling of the situation, stating that the organization failed to provide a convincing explanation for Hemetti’s cancellation and did not commit to rescheduling the meeting.

The statement further highlighted the significance of implementing the outcomes of previous IGAD summits before convening another one.

Hemetti, who has consistently expressed scepticism about Burhan’s dedication to peace, had previously requested the presence of all IGAD heads of state and government at the proposed meeting to serve as witnesses to any agreements reached.

IGAD has consequently decided to call for another extraordinary summit in Uganda, with the Burhan-Hemetti meeting as a central agenda item. The summit will also address the ongoing dispute between Somalia and Ethiopia over the contested region of Somaliland.

Separately, Hemetti confirmed his intention to attend the IGAD summit next Thursday, following an invitation from the IGAD Secretariat. He reaffirmed his support for a comprehensive peace settlement in Sudan and expressed the Rapid Support Forces’ commitment to alleviating the suffering of the Sudanese people.

(ST)