The AU Peace and Security Council met on 11 March 2025 to address Sudan’s crisis, expressing grave concern over a newly declared parallel government by the RSF. The Council reiterated its non-recognition of this entity and urged ceasing hostilities and facilitating humanitarian access. Commitment to restoring Sudan’s constitutional order and collaboration with all stakeholders were pivotal themes in the discussion, alongside a focus on enduring peace solutions.
On 11 March 2025, the Peace and Security Council (PSC) of the African Union convened its 1264th meeting to discuss the pressing situation in Sudan. During the meeting, H.E. Ambassador Mohamed Arrouchi, the Permanent Representative of Morocco to the AU and Chairperson of the PSC for March 2025, emphasized the gravity of the current circumstances.
The Council reiterated its previous decisions concerning Sudan, citing communiqués and press statements from prior meetings, including those held in May 2023, October 2024, February 2025, and subsequent sessions. The PSC expressed profound concern regarding recent developments, notably the announcement by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) declaring a parallel government in Sudan, which poses a substantial risk of partitioning the nation.
In response, the Council called on all AU Member States and the international community to refuse recognition of any parallel government or entity that threatens Sudan’s territorial integrity. It urged abstention from any support towards the establishment of such a government, reinforcing its non-recognition of the purported entity.
The PSC reaffirmed its dedication to upholding Sudan’s sovereignty and unity as well as fostering a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict, regarded as the largest humanitarian crisis globally, displacing over 12 million individuals. The Council urged all parties to establish a ceasefire and facilitate humanitarian access, particularly during the holy month of Ramadan, while advocating for comprehensive peace talks.
Additionally, the PSC pledged its commitment to collaborate with all Sudanese stakeholders to identify sustainable solutions for ceasing hostilities in Sudan, as outlined in the AU Roadmap adopted on 27 May 2023. The Council emphasized the resumption of the constitutional democratic order through the political dialogue process led by AU/IGAD, alongside the implementation of the Jeddah Declaration signed by the Sudanese Armed Forces and RSF on 11 May 2023.
Supporting the efforts of the PSC Ad-hoc Presidential Committee and the High-Level Panel on Sudan, the Council stressed the importance of finding a political solution to the crisis, which undermines Sudan’s sovereignty. The PSC committed to staying engaged on the issue as developments unfold.
The 1264th meeting of the AU Peace and Security Council highlighted critical concerns regarding Sudan, specifically the establishment of a parallel government by the RSF. The Council emphasized its commitment to Sudan’s sovereignty and unity, urging for ceasefire negotiations and humanitarian access. The emphasis on collaboration among Sudanese stakeholders and adherence to established AU protocols indicates ongoing efforts toward a peaceful resolution of the conflict. The Council remains vigilant in addressing the evolving situation in Sudan.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
