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1 August 2024 (Addis Ababa) – The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) is in discussions with Sudan on freezing its membership, IGAD’s Special Envoy to Sudan Lawrence Kobandi revealed in an interview with Sudan Tribune.
In January this year, Sudan decided to freeze its membership in IGAD and cease its participation and dealings with the organization. Despite this, Korbandi reiterated IGAD’s commitment to resolving the Sudanese conflict because of its impact on the region.
South Sudanese diplomats also highlighted the challenges posed by numerous peace initiatives, noting that they could fragment efforts and prolong the conflict. A recent meeting in Djibouti, attended by more than 20 countries and international organizations, stressed the need for coordinated action on Sudan.
In addition to resolving the political impasse, the meeting also focused on Sudan’s dire humanitarian crisis, including the destruction of infrastructure, displacement and refugee situations. Participants discussed unifying various initiatives and promoting joint coordination among regional and international partners. However, Kobandi pointed out that conflicts of interest hindered the publication of a joint declaration.
Despite these challenges, the IGAD has been actively involved in efforts to end the war since it broke out in April 2023. These efforts have included summits in Djibouti and Uganda and the presentation of a road map for peace.
Kobandi reiterated IGAD’s commitment to ending the war and restoring stability in Sudan, stressing its impact on the entire region. He stressed that this goal is in the interests of regional and international partners, including the African Union, the Arab League and the United Nations.
The Special Envoy denied that there was a conflict between the various peace initiatives, stressing that the Jeddah Platform had been endorsed by all parties involved. He confirmed that IGAD was involved in the recent negotiations. He also noted that there were various ways to resolve the crisis and that President Museveni was working at the level of IGAD Heads of State.
Kobandi called the humanitarian situation in Sudan a disaster and blamed the difficulties in relief efforts on ongoing conflict and shelling. He urged an immediate and unconditional ceasefire.
In addition, he announced that the preparatory meetings for the Sudanese dialogue would continue, ensuring the participation of all political forces, including those that had been absent from previous sessions, stressing that the dialogue belonged to the Sudanese people and that the role of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development was limited to facilitation.
Kobandi acknowledged that there were challenges but expressed optimism about the dialogue process. He highlighted the cooperation between IGAD and the African Union and confirmed that preparations for the next phase would be announced soon.
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