Sudan’s civilian coalition leader discusses peace efforts with IGAD heads of state

January 19, 2024 (KAMPALA) – Sudan’s former Prime Minister and leader of the anti-war civilian coalition Abdallah Hamdok held a meeting with IGAD leaders on the sidelines of an extraordinary summit in Kampala, Uganda. The summit was convened to address the ongoing conflict in Sudan and the recent conflict between Somalia and Ethiopia over the latter’s implicit recognition of Somaliland.

During the meeting, Hamdok presented to the IGAD leaders an overview of the Coordination of Civil Democratic Forces (Tagadum) assessment of the root causes of the Sudanese crisis and their shared vision for a swift and lasting resolution.

He underscored the importance of ending the devastating war that has ravaged Sudan for far too long, addressing the dire humanitarian consequences of the conflict, and charting a sustainable political path towards restoring peace, stability, and democratic civilian transformation.

Hamdok also commended the unwavering commitment of IGAD and the African Union to facilitating a peaceful resolution to the Sudanese crisis. He reiterated Tagadum’s unwavering support for their efforts, including their commitment to reconstruction and development in the aftermath of the war.

In their joint statement at the end of the extraordinary meeting on Thursday, the IGAD heads of state voiced their support for the Sudanese people and their efforts to restore the civilian-led government.

“The Republic of the Sudan does not belong to the parties to the conflict only but to the Sudanese people,” stated the IGAD leaders. “IGAD Member States have a primary responsibility to ensure the will of the people of the Sudan prevails.”

The head of the African Union Commission Musa Faki, in his remarks before the IGAD meeting, also deplored the coup d’état of October 25, 2021, stating that it interrupted civilian government efforts in support of stability and development and led to the ongoing war.

For his part, US envoy to the Horn of Africa Mike Hammer stressed that civilians must decide the future of Sudan and welcomed efforts, including by Tagadum, to form a broad democratic front. He also urged to bring more representatives from Sudan’s different regions into the coalition.

(ST)