AU Calls on Sudanese Warring Parties to Resolve Conflict Through Dialogue

Addis Ababa  May 27/2023 (ENA)The current Chairperson of the African Union(AU) and President of the Union of Comoros, Azali Assoumani, called on Sudanese warring parties to resolve the current conflicts in Sudan through dialogue and reach a ceasefire agreement. 

In an exclusive interview with Ethiopian News Agency (ENA) President Assoumani said that the African Union is doing whatever is necessary to resolve the problem of Sudan and move towards peace and expressed his hope that Sudanese parties would reach ceasefire agreement to settle   the widespread conflict in Sudan.

“We are currently discussing on how the AU can resolve this problem, because the African problem needs African solution, together with other bilateral or multilateral partners who want to help us. In any case, to have peace, we need to unite,"  the chairperson said.

The issue is serious because Sudan is a big country that has at least seven bordering countries, he said, adding the problem is not only the problem of Sudan and the neighboring countries but to the whole of Africa. 

“Security issues do indeed unite us. For example, we can't close our eyes to what's happening in Europe today, because the consequences are here too, so security is something that must unite us.”

 

The chairman of the African Union Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat, on his part told ENA that the conflict in Sudan is unfortunate and the military solution is not sustainable, adding the AU is working hard for the parties on both sides to return to negotiations.

“When we talk about Sudan, unfortunately at the same time, we're in an extremely difficult situation, and we're currently fighting to put an end to it and to get the parties back to the negotiating table, because a problem like this has no military solution.”

Expressing his deep concern about the situation, the chairman urged the warring parties to quickly adopt a peaceful solution and an inclusive dialogue to resolve their differences and firmly reject any external interference that could complicate the situation in Sudan.

“The Sudanese need to agree on a process that will enable them to define the transition and conduct elections so that they can choose who will run the country.”

Citing as example the Pretoria peace agreement, Musa Faki also appreciated the strong leadership and the courage for realization of the peace agreement that has been shown by the federal government of Ethiopia under the leadership of Prime Minister, Abiy Ahmed. 

“I'd like to thank my Ethiopian brothers, the government and the TPLF for listening to the voice of reason to make peace. Because Ethiopia is one of the countries certain of this continent and therefore we are happy with this achievement because it will open better prospects for peace for  people of Ethiopia.”

 

 President Azali Assoumani also noted that he had discussed the issue of Sudan with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and expressed his belief that the ceasefire agreement mediated by Saudi Arabia and the United States would be successful.

The president has also thanked and congratulated Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and all Ethiopian leaders for their achievements in implementing the Pretoria peace agreement for lasting peace in Ethiopia.

He added Africa must seek African solutions to African problems, drawing an example from the Pretoria peace agreement signed between the Ethiopian government and the TPLF.

“I would like to congratulate Prime Minister Abiy for the effort he has made to deal with the problems here, and now he has found unity and peace, which is a good example for other countries, and it's a good lesson that we have found, so we must do the same for other places where there are problems, such as in the Sahel.”

African leaders should encourage and learn from Ethiopia, when we have problems, we should adopt this experience and try to seek African solutions to African problems, AU Chairperson and President of the Union of Comoros underlined.