Sudan to rejoin IGAD after 11-month suspension
December 27, 2024 (ADDIS ABABA) – The Intergovernmental Authority on Development’s (IGAD) special envoy for Sudan, Lawrence Korbandy, will visit Port Sudan in January, as the country agreed to reintegrate the regional body after an 11-month suspension.
“Sudan’s return to the organization is crucial,” Korbandy told Sudan Tribune, emphasizing the need for a peaceful resolution to the conflict and the importance of Sudan’s role within the regional bloc.
Sudanese diplomatic sources told Sudan Tribune that Sudan will be reinstated into IGAD after an 11-month suspension. Sudan suspended its membership in January in protest against decisions made at an IGAD summit in Uganda.
Army chief and head of Sudan’s ruling Sovereign Council, Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, informed Djibouti’s President and IGAD Chairman Ismail Omar Guelleh of the decision.
Korbandy made an unannounced trip to Port Sudan in August, leading to an initial agreement with the Sudanese army to rejoin IGAD. According to diplomatic sources, a formal announcement is expected later.
African Union humanitarian proposal
Separately, African Union sources told Sudan Tribune that several African countries have drafted a U.N. Security Council resolution on Sudan. The resolution was discussed and agreed upon with Sudanese authorities.
The draft resolution proposes new methods for delivering humanitarian aid through safe corridors, similar to a recent aid delivery operation in Khartoum. It also includes a mechanism for civilian protection.
In November, a British resolution calling for civilian protection and unimpeded aid delivery was vetoed by Russia.
The African draft resolution includes proposals for identifying and monitoring aid routes. It aims to lay the groundwork for resuming negotiations between the warring parties through the Jeddah platform and recommends de-escalating fighting and protecting civilians.
Fighting between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces erupted in April ahead of a planned transition to civilian rule. The conflict has killed tens of thousands, displaced millions, and created a humanitarian crisis.