Peace and Security Council Meeting Addresses Urgent Situation in Sudan
The AU’s Peace and Security Council convened on March 11, 2025, addressing Sudan’s escalating crisis, particularly the RSF’s establishment of a parallel government. The Council condemned this development, calling for no recognition of such entities and urging immediate ceasefire and humanitarian access. It reaffirmed its commitment to Sudan’s sovereignty, emphasizing the importance of inclusive peace talks and collaboration with Sudanese stakeholders based on the AU Roadmap.
On 11 March 2025, the Peace and Security Council (PSC) of the African Union (AU) convened its 1264th meeting to discuss the dire situation in Sudan. The meeting, chaired by H.E. Ambassador Mohamed Arrouchi from Morocco, included a review of prior decisions and statements regarding Sudan’s governance and conflict situations. Previous communications that served as context included various PSC communiqués and press statements stretching from May 2023 to February 2025.
The Council expressed deep concern regarding the recent actions by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), particularly their declaration of a parallel government in Sudan. Such moves, the Council asserted, carry significant risks of dividing the nation, and it firmly condemned these developments. In light of this, the PSC urged all AU Member States and the international community to withhold recognition or support for any parallel government or entities that undermine Sudan’s territorial integrity.
Reaffirming its commitment to preserving Sudan’s unity and sovereignty, the PSC called for an immediate ceasefire and unimpeded humanitarian access, especially during Ramadan. The Council emphasized the necessity of inclusive peace talks aimed at a permanent resolution to the conflict that has displaced over 12 million civilians, causing a grave humanitarian crisis.
The PSC reiterated its dedication to cooperating with Sudanese stakeholders to establish lasting solutions based on the AU Roadmap, adopted in May 2023. Additionally, it stressed the importance of restoring constitutional democratic order through the ongoing AU/IGAD-convened Political Dialogue process. The Council highlighted the urgency of adhering to the six pillars of the AU Roadmap, primarily focusing on a comprehensive ceasefire and humanitarian assistance.
Furthermore, the PSC expressed its backing for the endeavors of both the PSC Ad-hoc Presidential Committee and the High-Level Panel on Sudan, aimed at finding a mutual political resolution to the pressing crisis threatening Sudan’s integrity. The Council committed to maintaining active engagement on this issue as developments unfold.
The 1264th meeting of the Peace and Security Council underscored its unwavering commitment to Sudan’s unity and sovereignty amid the escalating crisis precipitated by the RSF’s declaration of a parallel government. The Council’s appeal for an immediate ceasefire, humanitarian access, and commitment to inclusive peace talks demonstrates a focused approach to resolving the humanitarian emergency affecting millions. Continuous collaboration with Sudanese stakeholders and adherence to the AU Roadmap remains vital for achieving sustainable peace in Sudan.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
