AU Peace and Security Council Affirms Peace in Sudan Is a Continental and Regional Imperative

Addis Ababa — Ibtisam Al-Sheikh

The Peace and Security Council of the African Union has affirmed that restoring peace in Sudan is a continental and regional necessity.

African Union (AU) Peace and Security Commissioner Bankole Adeoye described the Sudan crisis as the worst humanitarian emergency in the world, voicing regret over what he said was insufficient international media coverage relative to the scale of the tragedy. He reiterated that achieving peace in Sudan is essential at both the continental and regional levels, while commending the efforts of the international community, including the United Nations Security Council.

Speaking at a press conference held Sunday evening in Addis Ababa at the close of the 39th African Summit, Adeoye said Sudan represents a renewed opportunity to reactivate implementation of the African roadmap for resolving the conflict.

He stated that the roadmap is clear in its framework and built on core pillars, namely: an immediate, permanent, comprehensive, and unconditional ceasefire; ensuring unimpeded humanitarian access; coordinating international initiatives to avoid duplication and enhance effectiveness; preventing spillover of the conflict into neighbouring countries in order to safeguard regional stability; and launching an inclusive political dialogue among civilian actors as the only gateway to a sustainable settlement.

The Commissioner also reviewed, during the press conference, the security challenges facing the African continent, particularly in Congo and Sudan.