Sudan suspends its membership in IGAD

January 20, 2024 (PORT SUDAN) – In a significant move, the Sudanese government has announced the suspension of its membership in the IGAD, a regional bloc tasked with the resolution of the ongoing conflict, in protest of the organization’s failure to respect Sudan’s decision to cease its involvement in the country’s internal affairs.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement on Saturday, explaining that Sudan’s decision was prompted by IGAD’s defiance of Sudan’s official request to halt its interference and freeze interactions on issues about Sudan’s current political situation.

Despite Sudan’s request, “IGAD included an item on Sudan on its agenda for the 42nd Extraordinary Summit of Heads of State and Government, which took place in Kampala, Uganda, on January 18th. Sudan boycotted the summit, and the final communiqué of the meeting included language that Sudan deemed disrespectful to its sovereignty and offensive to the families of victims of atrocities committed by rebel militias”.

The Sudanese government asserted in its letter to the IGAD that it is not bound by or concerned with any IGAD pronouncements regarding Sudanese matters.

Sudan’s decision to suspend its membership in IGAD comes amidst heightened tensions in the country, as clashes between the army and rebel militias persist in various parts of Sudan.

(ST)