KHARTOUM – The African Union Peace and Security Council reaffirmed its support for Sudan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and rejected any attempt to establish parallel entities or governments, during a meeting with Sovereign Council Chairman and army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan in Khartoum.

Al-Burhan met the AU delegation at the Republican Palace on Saturday, in the presence of Foreign Minister Mohieldin Salem, as Sudan seeks to restore formal engagement with the continental body amid the ongoing war and the government’s return to operating from the capital.

The delegation was led by Mohamed Khaled, Algeria’s ambassador to the African Union and rotating chair of the AU Peace and Security Council for August.

Khaled described the meeting as “fruitful” and said it addressed issues related to peace, security and stability in Sudan. He praised what he described as Al-Burhan’s attention and commitment to peace and stability.

He said the AU Peace and Security Council holds a firm position in support of Sudan’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and national unity, as well as the Sudanese people’s aspirations to restore peace, security, stability, development and democratic governance.

The meeting comes as Sudan’s relations with the African Union remain politically sensitive. The AU suspended Sudan’s participation after the October 2021 military takeover, while the war that erupted in April 2023 between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has complicated regional and continental mediation efforts.

Khaled said the council was deeply concerned by the continuation of the war, the heavy loss of life, destruction of infrastructure and worsening humanitarian crisis.

He said the only path to lasting peace is through dialogue, national reconciliation and a comprehensive political settlement that meets the aspirations of the Sudanese people.

The AU delegation welcomed steps related to a Sudanese peace initiative and the government’s return to carrying out its duties from Khartoum, describing the move as important for restoring state institutions, providing basic services, rebuilding confidence and advancing democratic transition.

The remarks come days after Al-Burhan said the state was ready to provide political, legal and security guarantees for participants in a proposed Sudanese-owned dialogue, while insisting that the government would not organize the process or determine its agenda or outcomes.

Khaled urged the government and political forces to make the transitional process more inclusive and to work toward national consensus leading to a constitutional order through free and fair elections.

He also stressed the central role of the African Union in Sudan’s peace process and praised the efforts of the AU-led Quint Mechanism, which includes regional and international partners.

The AU official renewed the council’s rejection of external interference in Sudan’s internal affairs, saying such involvement fuels the conflict. He also rejected any attempts to create parallel bodies or governments that undermine Sudan’s unity and sovereignty.

His remarks come as the RSF and allied political figures have moved to establish alternative political structures in areas outside army control, a step Sudanese authorities have repeatedly denounced as a threat to the country’s unity.

Khaled also welcomed the reopening of the AU liaison office in Khartoum and expressed hope that it would strengthen the bloc’s role and support Sudan’s return to full activity within the African Union.