The African Union (AU) has urged an immediate ceasefire in Sudan as the country’s humanitarian crisis deepens. Speaking on the sidelines of the 38th AU Summit in Addis Ababa, Bankole Adeoye, AU Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace, and Security, called on the warring parties to halt the violence and begin a political transition.
“Sudan is in a full-blown war with the worst humanitarian crisis in Africa, even in the world. We use this opportunity to call on the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), and their various allies to stop the bloodshed,” Adeoye told reporters.
The conflict between the SAF and the paramilitary RSF erupted in mid-April 2023. Since then, it has claimed more than 28,700 lives and displaced over 14 million people, according to recent estimates by international organizations.
Adeoye emphasized the AU’s serious concern over the escalating crisis. “We condemn all forms of violations, including grave violations against women and children in Sudan,” he said.
Despite Sudan’s suspension from the AU in October 2021, the situation remains a priority for the pan-African bloc. “What is happening in Sudan continues to attract the active attention of the AU Commission, its Peace and Security Council, and all peace-loving actors across Africa and beyond,” Adeoye noted.
Sudan was suspended after the country’s military declared a state of emergency and dissolved the ruling council in October 2021. In response to Sudan’s recent request to end the suspension, Adeoye stated that lifting it would require an inclusive political transition that is democratic and constitutional.
“So far, that is not what is happening in Sudan. There is a need to look at how the African Union’s shared values and its principles are being respected,” he added.
Adeoye also expressed concern over the conflict’s impact on Sudan’s reputation. “In addition to the worsening conflict-induced humanitarian crisis, the conflict is also damaging the reputation of Sudan, a founding member of the Organization of African Unity, the precursor to the AU,” he said.
