HARARE – Sudanese Prime Minister Kamil Idris called on the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) to provide technical, economic and logistical support for Sudan’s recovery and reconstruction, as regional leaders endorsed measures aimed at supporting stability and economic recovery in the war-torn country.

Addressing the 25th COMESA Summit of Heads of State and Government in Harare on Thursday, Idris said Sudan was at a critical stage and needed tangible regional support to address the consequences of more than three years of war.

He said rebuilding infrastructure and reviving development projects would be among his government’s priorities and described COMESA as a potential leading regional partner in the reconstruction process.

Idris also presented Sudan’s peace initiative and referred to a national roadmap previously submitted to the United Nations Security Council in 2025.

He urged COMESA member states and other regional actors to support a Sudanese national dialogue, arguing that stability in Sudan was closely linked to security and economic prospects across Eastern and Southern Africa.

Sudan has been engulfed in war since April 2023, when fighting erupted between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The conflict has damaged infrastructure, disrupted trade and production and displaced millions of people.

Idris said Sudan viewed COMESA not only as a trade bloc but as an important regional platform capable of supporting economic integration and recovery.

The summit formally adopted a report on peace and security across COMESA member states and approved a package of recommendations concerning Sudan.

According to the Sudanese government, the recommendations focused on supporting political and security stability, backing initiatives aimed at ending the conflict, preserving Sudan’s territorial integrity and helping restore economic activity.

The summit also approved recommendations concerning Sudan’s outstanding financial obligations to COMESA, taking into account the severe economic and political conditions facing the country.

The issue of Sudan’s arrears to the organization predates the current phase of the war and has been addressed through previous repayment arrangements.

The Harare summit also marked the transfer of COMESA’s rotating chairmanship from Kenya to Zimbabwe, with President Emmerson Mnangagwa assuming the organization’s leadership. Zambia was selected as vice-chair and Burundi as rapporteur.

Mnangagwa highlighted regional trade, sustainable development and deeper economic integration among COMESA members as priorities for the organization.

Sudan’s delegation included Foreign Minister Mohieddin Salem and other senior government officials.