On January 20, 2024, the government of war-torn Sudan says it has suspended its membership in the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), the east African regional bloc that has tried to broker talks between the country’s warring parties. This decision, according to the country’s foreign ministry, is a reaction to the bloc’s failure to respect Sudan’s decision to stop involvement in the country’s internal affairs.
The government of war-ravaged Sudan on January 20, 2024, informed the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) it has suspended its membership in the bloc.It accuses the bloc of “violating Sudan’s sovereignty” and setting a “dangerous precedent”. as it invited the chief of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) to a summit. At its summit on January 18, 2024, IGAD reiterated its call for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire in the “unjust war affecting the people » of Sudan. According to the country’s Foreign Ministry, it was this item, placed on the agenda without Sudan’s approval, which led to the further step of suspending its membership.
“The primary responsibility of the Igad member state is to ensure the will of the people of Sudan prevails……Igad member states will utilize all means and capabilities to ensure the conflict in Sudan is resolved peacefully”.
Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation – Djibouti
Igad’s vision is to transform north-east Africa into an upper middle-income economy and a continental beacon of regional peace, stability, and security by 2050. It therefore condemns the war between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). both sides are accused of war crimes, including the indiscriminate shelling of residential areas, torture and arbitrary detention of civilians.
“The Republic of Sudan does not belong to the parties, the conflict but only to the Sudanese people and reiterated the call for immediate and unconditional ceasefire as well as cessation of hostility affecting the people and the Sudan”.
Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation – Djibouti
Sudan has been a member of IGAD since its creation in 1996. The country faces one of the fastest unfolding crises globally. The United Nations humanitarian agency Ocha says, more than 7.4 million people have been displaced and more than half the population needs humanitarian assistance.