ADDIS ABABA — The leadership of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) held high-level discussions with the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC), H.E. Mohamed Yusuf, at the African Union headquarters in Addis Ababa, focusing on regional peace, security and the ongoing conflict in Sudan.
The meeting brought together the two regional institutions to discuss areas of mutual interest, with particular emphasis on the security situation in the Horn of Africa and the urgent need to advance diplomatic efforts aimed at ending Sudan’s devastating conflict.
During the meeting, the IGAD representative briefed the AUC Chairperson on his recent mission to Sudan, sharing updates on engagements and discussions held during the visit.
The two sides agreed to strengthen IGAD–AU coordination and joint diplomatic efforts in support of peace and stability in Sudan. Their discussions emphasized the importance of working closely with Sudanese stakeholders and supporting an inclusive process that can contribute to a sustainable political settlement.
The conflict in Sudan has created one of the region’s most serious humanitarian and security crises, with millions of people displaced and communities facing severe shortages of food, healthcare and other essential services.
IGAD and the African Union have both called for greater diplomatic engagement to help end the fighting and create conditions for humanitarian assistance to reach affected populations.
The latest meeting reflects efforts by the two organizations to ensure that their peace initiatives are better coordinated and mutually reinforcing rather than operating separately.
Regional cooperation is considered particularly important because the Sudan conflict has consequences beyond the country’s borders, affecting neighboring states through refugee movements, insecurity, economic disruption and humanitarian pressures.
The discussions also highlighted the shared responsibility of African institutions in finding African-led solutions to conflicts on the continent.
The IGAD–AU partnership is expected to remain central to regional diplomatic efforts as both organizations seek to support a peaceful resolution to the Sudan conflict and help restore stability for the benefit of the Sudanese people and the wider Horn of Africa.
