The High-Level Panel for Sudan (HLP-Sudan), chaired by H.E. Mohamed Ibn Chambas, AU High Representative for Silencing the Guns, has completed its initial shuttle diplomacy mission with Dr. Specioza Wandira Kazibwe, former Vice President of Uganda, among its members. This panel also includes Ambassador Francisco Madeira, former AU Special Representative of the Chairperson to Somalia.
During the mission, the HLP-Sudan visited various key locations and engaged in consultations aimed at finding practical solutions to the ongoing conflict in Sudan. The first stop was in Port Sudan, where discussions were held with senior officials of the Sudanese Sovereignty Council, including General Abdul Fattah al-Burhan.
Furthermore, the panel met with a diverse range of Sudanese stakeholders in Port Sudan, including representatives of the signatories of the Juba Peace Agreement, political parties, women’s groups, civil society organizations, and the media.
Moving on to Cairo, Egypt, the HLP-Sudan consulted with the League of Arab States and senior officials in the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. They also engaged with Sudanese political and civilian actors based in Egypt.
In Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, the panel interacted with representatives of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the civilian coalition, Taqadum.
In Djibouti, discussions were held with the Executive Secretary of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), and the panel was granted an audience by H.E. Ismail Omar Guelleh, President of the Republic of Djibouti and the current chair of the IGAD Assembly of Heads of State.
Throughout these consultations, the HLP-Sudan emphasized practical approaches to ending the devastating conflict in Sudan, which has resulted in the displacement of nearly one-quarter of the Sudanese population and significant destruction in regions such as Khartoum and Darfur.
The disruption of the planting season for a second consecutive year has exacerbated the humanitarian crisis in Sudan, pushing the country towards famine. Sudan currently faces one of the most severe humanitarian crises globally.
The HLP-Sudan has expressed support for the Jeddah Process towards a humanitarian ceasefire and urges the conveners, the governments of Saudi Arabia and the USA, to reconvene the talks urgently, with full AU and IGAD participation.
Additionally, the panel discussed the urgent need for an all-inclusive Sudanese political dialogue to address the root causes of the conflict and pave the way for a peaceful and stable Sudan.
As Ramadan begins, the HLP-Sudan appeals to all Sudanese, particularly the warring parties, to implement a humanitarian pause and reflect on ways to return to the negotiation table to facilitate healing and the return of displaced civilians.
A crucial aspect of the HLP-Sudan’s mandate is to coordinate regional and international stakeholders. The panel has committed to close collaboration with all partners to ensure alignment with the interests of Sudan and the region.
