President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni chaired a virtual meeting of the African Union (AU) Peace and Security Council Heads of State and Government at State Lodge, Nakasero, yesterday.
President Museveni is the current Chairperson of the AU Peace and Security Council for June 2024. During the meeting, the leaders discussed the ongoing conflict in Sudan and explored ways to enhance coordinated efforts among regional and international partners to achieve peace and stability for the Sudanese people.
President Museveni explained that the war in Sudan was caused by the ideological mistakes of the country’s leaders.
He said, “For 70 years, our neighboring country, which is part of this region, has been almost continuously at war. This is due to mistakes we often discuss with Sudanese leaders. The first mistake is the politics of identity, Africans versus Arabs or Muslims versus Christians. This has caused prolonged conflict, as we discussed with Sudanese leaders like General Bashir. This problem is also present in other parts of Africa, including Uganda. People push the politics of identity instead of focusing on the interests of the people. This was the original problem.”
The President identified the second mistake as using force and arms instead of dialogue.
He continued, “The third mistake is using undisciplined and ideologically wrong people, both internally and externally, in conflicts. This leads to the catastrophe we see. Even in war, the whole population should not be affected unless there is something wrong with the conflict managers.”
President Museveni emphasized that war crimes are a result of these mistakes. He expressed satisfaction with the Security Council and other attendees who urged Sudanese factions to cease fighting, start dialogue, and return control to the Sudanese people through democratic elections.
Mr. Moussa Faki Mahamat, the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, stressed the importance of achieving a ceasefire in Sudan.
He said, “The African Union, through implementing your council’s decisions, has engaged all parties in the conflict to facilitate the peace process. Protecting human rights and international humanitarian law is only possible with national reconciliation. Therefore, I call for stronger international solidarity to ensure a democratic transition in Sudan, leading to free and fair elections and preventing further chaos.”
Mr. Mahamat also praised President Museveni for his efforts in promoting peace in Sudan.
Dr. Workneh Gebeyehu, the IGAD Executive Secretary, briefed the meeting on the need for coordinated peace efforts among partners and friends of Sudan.
He stated, “We must prioritize the Sudanese people, who have suffered greatly. IGAD remains committed to finding a path to peace for our Sudanese brothers and sisters. Despite the tragic year of war, there is still hope for a peaceful resolution.”
Dr. Mohamed Ibn Chambas, Chairperson of the African Union High-Level Panel on Sudan, compared the conflict in Sudan to those in Ukraine and Gaza, saying it is worse.
He emphasized, “The situation has reached a critical level requiring bold action by the Peace and Security Council. Sudan is facing an unprecedented hunger crisis, with over two million people experiencing emergency or catastrophic levels of hunger. In Zam Zam camp alone, 75 people die each day from hunger and disease. Over 15,000 fatalities have been recorded, and at least 10 million people have been displaced. These figures are horrific and call for urgent action to end the conflict.”
The leaders urged the warring parties, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), to immediately stop fighting and prioritize the interests of Sudan and its people. They stressed that there is no viable military solution and that only genuine dialogue can lead to a sustainable resolution.
The leaders also emphasized the need to protect civilians in Sudan. They requested the AU Commission, in coordination with the African Commission on Human and People’s Rights, to investigate and recommend practical measures for civilian protection.
A representative of the United Nations (UN) Secretary-General, H.E Antonio Guterres, also addressed the meeting.
