AU, UN Coordinate Sudan Ceasefire Efforts and Political Process

ADDIS ABABA – African Union Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf and U.N. Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy for Sudan Pekka Haavisto discussed efforts to secure a ceasefire and advance a political settlement in Sudan, with both sides stressing closer coordination between the AU and United Nations.

The meeting took place on Wednesday at AU headquarters in Addis Ababa and focused on ongoing diplomatic and mediation initiatives, including coordination with the Quintet and the Quad.

Haavisto welcomed the AU’s continued engagement with Sudanese stakeholders and plans to reopen the African Union Liaison Office in Khartoum.

Youssouf briefed him on AU diplomatic efforts led by Mohamed Ibn Chambas, the AU High Representative for Silencing the Guns and chair of the High-Level Panel on Sudan, as well as Ambassador Mohamed Belaiche, the AU’s special representative for Sudan.

The AU said those efforts include engagement with Sudanese parties and coordination with both the Quintet and Quad mediation formats.

Youssouf reiterated the African Union’s position that any credible settlement must be inclusive, Sudanese-led and Sudanese-owned, with Sudanese civilians and stakeholders at the centre of the political process.

Both officials expressed concern over the deteriorating humanitarian situation and stressed the need for closer AU-U.N. coordination in efforts to stop the fighting and support a political settlement.

The meeting follows broader efforts to align international mediation initiatives. In September, the AU Commission chair co-chaired a joint meeting of the Quad and Quintet that called for a humanitarian truce, cessation of hostilities and an inclusive Sudanese political process.

The AU and U.N. Security Council also reiterated earlier this month that there is no military solution to Sudan’s war and called for a cessation of hostilities leading to a lasting ceasefire.

The planned reopening of the AU Liaison Office in Khartoum is expected to strengthen the bloc’s direct engagement with Sudanese actors and support mediation and political outreach on the ground.