ADDIS ABABA – Sudan and the African Union discussed support for a Sudanese peace initiative, preparations for a visit by AU Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf and plans to reopen the bloc’s liaison office in Khartoum, Sudan’s Foreign Ministry said.
Sudan’s ambassador to Ethiopia and permanent representative to the AU, Al-Zein Ibrahim Hussein, met Youssouf on Tuesday and briefed him on developments in Sudan and government efforts toward a political settlement.
The talks addressed AU support for Sudan’s peace initiative and an inclusive Sudanese-Sudanese dialogue, according to the ministry.
They also discussed preparations for Youssouf’s planned visit to Sudan and steps toward reopening the AU liaison office in Khartoum, which would restore a permanent diplomatic presence on the ground after operations were disrupted by the war.
The AU Peace and Security Council had previously called for the urgent reopening of the office as part of efforts to strengthen engagement with Sudanese stakeholders and support peace initiatives.
The meeting also covered three projects approved following a recent Peace and Security Council visit to Sudan, focusing on education, healthcare and support for the political transition.
The AU has repeatedly called for a ceasefire, humanitarian access and an inclusive political process leading to civilian constitutional rule.
Sudan has remained suspended from participation in African Union activities since the October 2021 military takeover. The bloc has maintained that restoration of full participation requires progress toward democratic, civilian-led constitutional government.
The suspension is separate from plans to reopen the AU office in Khartoum.
The two sides also discussed developments in the Horn of Africa and stressed de-escalation, respect for international law, sovereignty and good-neighbourly relations.
According to the Sudanese statement, Youssouf welcomed steps taken by Khartoum and emphasized dialogue and de-escalation as essential to regional stability.
