IGAD jumps to rescue troubled Sudan
The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) has made strides towards restoring peace and stability in Sudan after the resignation of Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok.
The chairman of the Transitional Sovereignty Council of the Republic of Sudan, Lt Gen Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, and the IGAD Secretary-General, Workneh Gebeyehu, pledged to play a pivotal role in solving Sudanese problems.
“I held a meeting with the Chairman of the Transitional Sovereignty Council of the Republic of Sudan, Lt. Gen. Abdel Fattah al-Burhan,” he said.
“In our discussions, we reviewed developments in Sudan and the role IGAD will play in constructive engagement that will assist the country to attain negotiated solutions to the current political crisis,” he said.
However, Workneh stressed the need for the Sudanese to commit to inclusive dialogue to iron out the political stalemate.
“I called for an inclusive dialogue as the best way out of the current political impasse. I underscored the urgent need to de-escalate tensions and help build trust. IGAD will work with all impartially, ” he concluded.
UN efforts
Last month, the United Nations said it would carry out consultations to determine the political destiny of the Sudanese people through their own guidance.
The United Nations Integrated Transition Assistance Mission in Sudan (UNITAMS) was tasked with the mandate of guiding the country through the transition to democracy.
“Through its good office’s role under Security Council Resolution 2579 (2021), UNITAMS will work with all actors to develop an inclusive process that can build consensus on the path to a full civilian-led democratic transition, ” read the statement from the UN mission in Khartoum.
“The UNITAMS process will begin with preliminary consultations with stakeholders such as the government, political actors, peace partners, armed movements, civil society, resistance committees, women’s groups, and youth.”
The UN called for a conducive environment to be provided for protesters and civilians in Sudan.
Resignation
On January 2, 2022, Sudanese Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok resigned as a result of mass protests by civilians who demanded a fully civilian government and the removal of military leadership.
Hamdok warned of “political catastrophe” and advised a roundtable discussion on the “national charter” should be ensured and to “draw a roadmap” for transitioning the country from military to democracy in a peaceful election in 2023.
“My honourable people, based on all that I have mentioned, I have decided to return your trust to you and announce to you my resignation from the position of prime minister to make way for another one of the sons or daughters of this generous country to lead our dear homeland and carry it through the transition towards a reviving, civil and democratic state,” he added.
“In the past few days, I met with all the stakeholders of the transitional period, the political and military components, and the peace partners to explain and brief them and to put the national and historical responsibility before them.”
“I tried my best to avoid our country slipping into a catastrophe, and now our country is going through a dangerous turning point that may threaten its entire survival if it is not remedied soon,” Hamdok said.
On the 66th independence anniversary prior to Hamdok’s resignation, the chair of the military council, Abdel Fattah Al Burhan, said that Sudan was facing threats and called for dialogue to end the crisis.
The statement issued by the Sovereignty Council, a collective presidency led by Gen. Al Burhan, said the council commended the efforts made by the security agencies and the wisdom they have shown in dealing with security threats.
