African Union Appoints Ugandan President to Mediate Sudanese Conflict

Strategic Insights -

The African Union (AU) has appointed Ugandan President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni to lead mediation efforts between Sudan's warring factions as part of renewed continental efforts to end the devastating conflict in the country. The AU Peace and Security Council (PSC) expressed deep alarm over the worsening humanitarian situation in El Fasher, following atrocities committed by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The Council condemned the RSF's takeover of the city, which has left civilians trapped without access to food and essential services since May 2024.

Key Takeaways:

  • The African Union (AU) has appointed Ugandan President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni to lead mediation efforts between Sudan's warring factions.
  • The AU Peace and Security Council (PSC) has expressed deep alarm over the worsening humanitarian situation in El Fasher, following atrocities committed by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
  • The RSF has killed at least 1,500 people over the past three days as civilians tried to flee the besieged city of el-Fasher.
  • The AU has directed the Chairperson of the Commission to work closely with the PSC Presidential Ad-hoc Committee, under Museveni's leadership, to facilitate negotiations between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the RSF.
  • The AU has called for a genuine, inclusive political dialogue among Sudanese stakeholders and warned against external interference that fuels the conflict.
  • The AU has requested a fact-finding mission by the Special Envoy on the Prevention of Genocide and Other Mass Atrocities to report within three weeks.

Statistics:

  • At least 1,500 people have been killed by the RSF over the past three days as civilians tried to flee the besieged city of el-Fasher.
  • The RSF has been accused of committing atrocities in El Fasher, including the capture of the city in western Darfur's Sudan region.
  • The AU Peace and Security Council (PSC) has expressed deep alarm over the worsening humanitarian situation in El Fasher.
  • The AU has directed the Chairperson of the Commission to work closely with the PSC Presidential Ad-hoc Committee, under Museveni's leadership, to facilitate negotiations between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the RSF.

Sources:

  • African Union (AU) Communique - AU Peace and Security Council (PSC)
  • Sudan Doctors Network
  • Article 7 of the AU's Protocol
  • United Nations (UN)
  • Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD)