African Union seeks UAE, Saudi support to end Sudan war

September 12, 2024 (ADDIS ABABA) – The African Union held talks with officials in the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia this week seeking support to end the war in Sudan and reach an immediate ceasefire, the AU said on Thursday.

Mohamed Ibn Chambas, chairperson of the AU’s high-level panel on Sudan (HLP-Sudan), visited both countries from September 9 to 12.

The AU believes there is no military solution to the conflict and is pushing for a ceasefire, unhindered humanitarian aid access, and a comprehensive political dialogue, Chambas said.

Sources close to the talks told Sudan Tribune that reviving the Jeddah peace talks and bringing the warring parties back to the negotiating table were discussed.

The Aligned for Advancing Lifesaving and Peace in Sudan Group (ALPS), which includes the AU, is expected to meet in the next two weeks, the sources said.

In Abu Dhabi, Chambas met with UAE Minister of State Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan Al Nahyan and other officials. Both sides stressed the need for an immediate ceasefire and humanitarian access. The UAE pledged to deepen cooperation with the AU on peace and development efforts.

In Riyadh, Chambas held “fruitful” talks with Saudi Deputy Foreign Minister Waleed Elkhereiji. They agreed on the need for a ceasefire and aid access and coordinated international diplomatic efforts.

The U.S. envoy to Sudan, Tom Perriello, is also on a regional tour to discuss the crisis, with stops in Riyadh, Cairo, and Ankara.