No AU return for Sudan until civilian rule, repeats political commissioner

November 22, 2024 (ADDIS ABABA) – The African Union (AU) reiterated its rejection of Sudan’s reinstatement following the 2021 military coup, demanding a transitional process that includes civilians and political forces.

Sudan’s membership was suspended after General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan seized power in October 2021. The AU’s stance was reaffirmed during the 15th annual consultative meeting between the AU Peace and Security Council (PSC) and the European Union Political and Security Committee (EU PSC) in Addis Ababa on Friday.

“The AU’s position is constant: zero tolerance for unconstitutional coups,” AU Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, Bankole Adeoye, told the meeting.

Adeoye said the AU was working with the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and the United Nations to find a “practical solution” to the crisis, prioritizing a ceasefire and humanitarian access. He stressed that the deployment of a proposed AU mission to Sudan hinges on a durable ceasefire agreement.

“We believe that a military solution to the crisis cannot be achieved without the participation of active civilian and political actors,” Adeoye said.

The AU has proposed a roadmap to end the conflict, but Sudan’s military leaders have demanded the restoration of its AU membership before accepting the plan.

Adeoye also expressed concern about external interference, which fuels the conflict in Sudan.

The conflict between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has displaced millions and created a dire humanitarian crisis.

The AU-EU meeting also addressed other regional issues, including the situations in Somalia and the Sahel.