The online portal ‘Sudan Tribune’ reported on Wednesday evening that Idris, during his meeting in Port Sudan with the Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mohamed Belaiche, called on the African Union to handle the issue of lifting the suspension of Sudan’s membership as an ‘acquired right’ with neutrality and professionalism, away from any interventions. It is noted that ‘the African Union suspended Sudan’s membership in October 2021 until the restoration of the civilian-led transitional authorities that were dissolved following a coup by the military.’
In turn, the African Union representative emphasized the importance of Sudan regaining its membership in the African Union, indicating that the Union supports Sudan’s return to its natural position within the continental system. Mohamed Belaiche revealed an upcoming meeting of the African Peace and Security Council on August 4th to discuss the Sudan file, highlighting the African Union’s support for legitimacy in Sudan, its backing of national institutions, and its interest in programs for rebuilding what the war has destroyed, as well as supporting the voluntary return of displaced persons and refugees.
In the same context, he called for ‘non-recognition of the parallel government formed by the Rapid Support Forces in Sudan, which has been experiencing a civil war since April 2023.’ The council reiterated its ‘respect for Sudan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity,’ reaffirming its recognition of the newly formed Transitional Sovereignty Council and the transitional civilian government as the legitimate authorities in Sudan.
The war broke out on April 15, 2023, between the army led by Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and the Rapid Support Forces led by Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (Hemetti) in various parts of Sudan, mostly concentrated in the capital, Khartoum, resulting in hundreds of civilian casualties and injuries. Arab, African, and international parties have mediated to ceasefire, but these mediations have not succeeded in reaching a permanent cessation of fighting.
