Djibouti Seeks Sudan’s Return to IGAD

February 10, 2024 (PORT SUDAN) – Djibouti President and IGAD Chair dispatched a special envoy to Port Sudan as part of ongoing efforts to persuade Sudanese leadership to reverse their decision to suspend IGAD membership.

On February 1, the Chairman of the Sovereign Council, Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, received a written message, handed over by a special envoy, from Djiboutian President Ismail Omar Guelleh. A statement issued by the Sudanese government said the letter dealt with bilateral relations between the two countries.

In statements to the Chinese CGTN Africa TV on Saturday, Djibouti Foreign Minister Mahmoud Ali Youssouf disclosed that the letter called the Sudanese leadership to “Sudanese leadership to reconsider its decision to suspend membership in the IGAD”.

Youssouf emphasized Djibouti’s unwavering commitment to fostering regional stability and reiterated IGAD’s neutral role in facilitating peace within Sudan.

“We are actively working on this,” the Djibouti foreign minister affirmed. “Sudan is a vital member of IGAD and a key player in the region. We need Sudan to remain in the IGAD. Therefore, Djibouti remains committed to engaging with Sudan.”

He emphasized the neutrality of IGAD’s role, stating, “IGAD is trying to help, and we do not have any agenda. We are trying to bring peace to Sudan”.

On January 20, Sudan suspended its membership in the East African bloc to protest its failure to respect Sudan’s decision to cease its involvement in the country’s internal affairs.

The IGAD leaders held a meeting on the Sudanese crisis on January 18, despite the boycott of the Sudanese government. Also, the IGAD leaders met with the RSF leader Mohamed Hamdan Daglo and the leader of the anti-war civilian forces, former Prime Minister Abdallah Hamdok.

At the end of their meetings, the IGAD leaders issued a defiant statement saying that “the Sudan does not belong to the parties to the conflict only but the Sudanese people” and emphasized the IGAD’s responsibility “to ensure the will of the people of the Sudan prevail”.

(ST)