The 1185th Meeting of the AU – Peace and Security Council: What is it for African-based Solutions Regarding Sudan?

On November 15, 2023, the Peace and Security Council (PSC) of the African Union (AU) held a meeting regarding the situation in Sudan as the conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has passed the seventh month. The AU, represented in IGAD, is a Co-facilitator, along with the United States and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, of the leading peace negotiations in the Jeddah Talks.

While condemning the ongoing “unjustified and destructive” conflict between the SAF and the RSF, it concluded the following:

• Expressed concern about the humanitarian situation in Darfur, Kordofan, Khartoum, and Abyei Administrative Area, as well as the spread of conflict to parts of the country. And called upon the belligerent parties to fulfill the obligations agreed upon on the 7^th of November, 2023.
• In collaboration with IGAD, the Commission’s Chairperson was urged to expedite the implementation of the AU and IGAD Roadmaps for conflict resolution in Sudan, which aims at a two-stage political dialogue: a ceasefire and transitional civilian government.
• Assure the commitment and plea once more to provide the necessary assistance to the refugees and the host nations and communities, as more than 1.2 million people have fled to neighboring countries since the conflict erupted.
• The Commission urged the Juba Peace Signatories to refrain from undermining the peace process and continue working towards an inclusive consensual solution.

Lastly, the Chairperson was urged to set up a High-Level Ad hoc Panel on Sudan.