AU timeline of diplomatic efforts

15 April

The Chairperson of the AU Commission issued a statement on the eruption of conflict in Sudan, urging:

  • SAF and RSF to immediately stop the fighting
  • the international community to combine their efforts to bring the parties to immediately cease military actions and return to the negotiating table

16 April

PSC held emergency session on the situation in Sudan. In the communique adopted at the session, the PSC:

  • strongly condemned the armed confrontation between SAF and RSF
  • called for an immediate ceasefire without conditions
  • strongly rejected any external interference
  • tasked the AUC Chairperson to undertaking peacemaking initiatives
  • decided to undertake a Field Mission to Sudan

20 April

The Chairperson of the AU Commission organized a Special Ministerial Meeting on Sudan with bilateral, regional, and international actors. In a communique adopted at the meeting, participants:

  • urged the warring parties for an immediate and unconditional humanitarian ceasefire for a week starting on 20 April
  • demanded the warring parties to establish humanitarian corridors
  • established the Expanded Mechanism on Sudan Crisis to coordinate and harmonize regional, continental and international efforts to end the conflict
  • requested the Chairperson of the AU Commission to develop a de-escalation plan for the resolution of the conflict
  • requested the warring parties to designate interlocutors to work with the Expanded Mechanism.

27 April

The Chairperson of AU Commission appealed to the neighbouring states of Sudan and international community to speedily extend humanitarian support to civilians fleeing the conflict in Sudan.

2 May

The Expanded Mechanism for the Resolution of the Conflict in Sudan convened its second meeting in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. During the meeting, Prof. El-Hacen Lebatt, AU Commission Chief of Staff and AU Spokesperson on the Sudan Peace Process, briefed participants on AU’s efforts to coordinate international and bilateral efforts to pressure all Sudanese parties towards a ceasefire, humanitarian action and political dialogue.

4 May

Chairperson of the AU for the year 2023, Azali Assoumani, President of the Union of Comoros, met with the Chairperson of the AU Commission in Addis Ababa to discuss the conflict in Sudan.

6 May

The Chairperson of the AU Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat, reaffirmed the imperative of ceasefire in Sudan as Saudi Arabia-US facilitated talks began in Jeddah.

11 May

AU convened a meeting with humanitarian organizations based in Addis Ababa to discuss coordination of efforts regarding Sudan crisis and agreed to establish a Forum for regular coordination and briefing on its activities.

16 May

PSC met to discuss the situation in Sudan and adopted a press statement that reiterated:

  • the demand for immediate, unconditional, and comprehensive ceasefire
  • the need for inclusivity in the ongoing peace talks

27 May

PSC convened a summit level session to discuss the situation in Sudan. In the communique adopted at the session, the PSC:

  • demanded the warring parties to stop mobilization and reinforcements, and disengage to agreed positions;
  • adopted the AU Roadmap for the Resolution of the Conflict in Sudan that outlined six pillars that need to be addressed for the resolution of the conflict;
  • underscored the importance of a single, inclusive and consolidated peace process, coordinated under the joint auspices of the AU, IGAD, League of Arab States and UN, along with partners;
  • endorsed the initiative of the chairperson to dispatch emissaries to the neighboring states of Sudan and the Horn of Africa region;
  • reaffirmed the necessity for inclusivity, adequate representation and participation of Sudanese stakeholders, African regional and continental bodies in peace talks;
  • appealed to international financial institutions to lift restrictions imposed on electronic money transfers to Sudan;
  • directed AU Commission to provide regular updates to the PSC and develop and execute means of implementation for the AU Roadmap for the Resolution of the Conflict in Sudan.

31 May

The Expanded Mechanism for the Resolution of the Conflict in Sudan convened its third meeting in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The meeting:

  • welcomed the outcome of the 27 May PSC summit
  • expressed concern at the continued fighting
  • cautioned against the proliferation of uncoordinated initiatives that would undermine the collective effort and the sovereignty of Sudan
  • welcomed the Jeddah Process and its outcome
  • expressed concern at the lack of full implementation of full implementation of the humanitarian ceasefire and deteriorating humanitarian situation
  • stressed the impact of the conflict on neighboring countries
  • welcomed the announcement by the AU that the inaugural meeting of the Core Group of the Expanded Mechanism will be convened in the coming days

2 June

The Expanded Mechanism’s Core Group held its inaugural meeting to define modalities and work streams for implementing AU’s Roadmap for the Resolution of the Conflict in Sudan.

15 June

The AU PSC convened a session on the Horn of Africa and considered the situation in four countries, including Sudan. The outcome was a Communique that:

  • Called for ‘the demilitarization of Khartoum and the establishment of humanitarian corridors;
  • Welcomed and endorsed the outcome of IGAD Summit held on 12 June in Djibouti; and
  • Underscored the centrality of genuine and inclusive dialogue as the only viable approach towards reaching a sustainable solution to the challenges facing the country.

6 October 

In the 17th Annual Joint Meeting of AUPSC- UNSC Delegates reiterated their commitment to their cooperative efforts in peace and security. Regarding Sudan, they highlighted the following issues.

  • Strongly condemned the ongoing armed conflict in Sudan, marked by attacks on civilians, looting of aid, and damage to civilian infrastructure, private property, and diplomatic missions, breaching the Vienna Convention, International Humanitarian Law, and International Human Rights Law.
  • Expressed their concern over the severe humanitarian situation in Sudan and urged the international community to provide the necessary support for the Sudanese refugees and their host countries.
  • Stressed dialogue for peace in Sudan. Urged immediate ceasefire and unhindered humanitarian access. Advocated for resumed political transition, inclusive participation, and a civilian-led government, rejecting external interference that might escalate the conflict.
  • Acknowledged regional initiatives, including the AU Roadmap for the resolution of the conflict in Sudan. Emphasized enhanced collaboration and international cooperation under AU and IGAD for coherent peace efforts.
  • Acknowledged the assistance given by the UN and called on the UN to extend more assistance to Sudan and its neighboring countries.

15 November

The AU PSC convened a meeting and adopted a communique on the Situation in Sudan at its 1185th meeting held at the Ministerial level. In its communique, the PSC stated the following:

  • Recalled its previous decisions and pronouncements on the situation in Sudan.
  • AU reaffirmed its commitment to uphold Sudan's sovereignty, territorial integrity, national unity, and independence.
  • Condemned the ongoing destructive conflict between Rapid Support Forces and Sudanese Armed Forces, causing severe security and humanitarian crises.
  • Concerned about the humanitarian crisis in various regions (in Darfur, Kordofan, and Khartoum, as well as in Abyei) and urges unrestricted humanitarian access throughout Sudan.
  • Urgently repeats the call for an immediate, unconditional ceasefire by RSF and Sudanese Armed Forces.
  • Requested the Chairperson of the Commission, working in close cooperation with IGAD, to promptly implement the AU Roadmap for the Resolution of the Conflict in Sudan and the IGAD Roadmap for Peace in the Republic of Sudan. Urges political dialogue for a ceasefire and the establishment of a transitional civilian government.
  • Emphasized that a military solution is not viable, emphasizing the necessity of inclusive Sudanese dialogue. Emphasizes Africa's role in the Jeddah peace process, despite welcoming the Humanitarian Access Agreement signed on 7 November 2023 in Jeddah).
  • Emphasizes the importance of neutrality at both regional and international levels, avoiding military and financial support to conflict parties.
  • Commended Member States, especially Sudan's neighbors, and the global community for their continued support for Sudanese refugees. Appeals for ongoing support to refugees and asylum seekers.
  • Calls on Juba Peace Agreement signatories to stay committed and urges hold-out movements to support peace efforts and seek inclusive solutions for Sudan's challenges.
  • Emphasized the need for the Commission Chair to establish a High-Level Ad hoc Panel for Sudan, ensuring inclusivity in the civilian-led political transition.

18 December

The Chairperson of the AU Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat renews the call on the combatants. In his press release on 18 December, the Chairperson expressed ‘growing concern’ over the deteriorating security situation in Sudan following the reports of renewed attacks on the Abu Shok camp for IDPs in El Fasher, as well as the spread of the fighting to Wad Medani in Gezira state. The Chairperson urged the SAF and RSF to immediately cease hostilities and engage in meaningful peace negotiations, reaffirming the AU's commitment to collaborating with national, regional, and global actors including IGAD, the League of Arab States, and the United Nations.

17 January 2024

  • Moussa Faki Mahamat, the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, has appointed three African personalities to the AU High-Level Panel on Sudan. The Chair is Mohamed Ibn Chambas, the AU High Representative for Silencing the Guns, and the two other members are Speciosa Wandira-Kazibwe (Former Vice President of the Republic of Uganda) and Francisco Madeira (Former Special Representative of the Chairperson of the Commission (SRCC) to Somalia and Head of AMISOM/ATMIS).
  • The appointment is made in line with the AU PSC communiqué PSC/MIN/COMM. 1185 (2023) and in furtherance of the AU’s mandate and determination to entrench peace and stability on the continent.
  • The members of the Panel will work with all the Sudanese stakeholders: all civilian forces, military belligerents, and regional and global actors including IGAD, UN, and League of Arab States, to ensure an all-inclusive process towards the swift restoration of peace, and constitutional order and stability in Sudan.

20 February 2024

The Expanded Mechanism for the Resolution of the Sudan crisis met in Addis Ababa at the AU Headquarter. The meeting, which was attended by the newly appointed AU High-Level Panel for Sudan (HLP-Sudan):

  • Affirmed support to HLP-Sudan; and
  • Stressed the importance of working towards ceasefire, facilitating an inclusive political process, and coordinating the various mediation initiatives.

On the sidelines of the 37th AU Summit, the HLP-Sudan discussed the Sudan crisis with various stakeholders, including H.E. Ramtane Lamamra, Personal Envoy of the UN Secretary-General for Sudan; Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security (PAPS), Bankole Adeoye; and H.E. President Salva Kiir Mayardit of South Sudan.

8 March 2024

Chairperson of the AU Commission issued a communiqué, calling on Sudan’s belligerent parties to observe a ‘total Ceasefire across the whole national territory throughout the holy month of Ramadan’.

11 March 2024

The HLP-Sudan concluded its first shuttle diplomacy mission in the region. In this mission, the Panel:

  • Visited Port Sudan, Cairo, Addis Ababa, and Djibouti to engage with wide range of stakeholders and interlocutors to discuss ways of ending the devastating conflict.
  • Expressed its support for the Jeddah process towards a humanitarian ceasefire, while urging the conveners to reconvene the talks as a matter of urgency, with the full participation of the AU and IGAD.
  • Highlighted the urgent need to convene an all-inclusive Sudanese political dialogue.
  • Urged the warring parties to use the Ramadan month to implement a humanitarian pause.