African Union: Intensive Efforts to Lift Sudan’s Membership Suspension
Sudan Events – Agencies
A Sudanese diplomatic source has revealed intensive government efforts during the 46th African Union (AU) Summit, currently being held in the Ethiopian capital, to lift the suspension of Sudan’s membership in the continental body.
Government Dissolution:
The African Union decided to suspend Sudan’s membership in the bloc on October 27, 2021, two days after the military, led by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, took measures to dissolve the civilian government.
The move was described as a military coup, leading to Sudan’s suspension from the AU.
Side Meetings:
Speaking on the sidelines of the AU Summit in Addis Ababa, the diplomatic source told Sudan Tribune that Sudanese government diplomats held side meetings with several African officials to discuss the issue of the suspended membership.
For the fourth consecutive year, Sudan has been absent from the AU Summit due to the suspension of its membership in the continental body.
Sudanese diplomats also held informal meetings with African officials outside the main halls at the AU headquarters, according to the diplomatic source.
Transfer of Power:
Meanwhile, the source indicated that the Sudanese government has provided assurances about appointing a prime minister before the end of February and transferring power to a civilian government to fulfill the African Union’s conditions for lifting the suspension.
On February 14, the AU Peace and Security Council will hold a special session on developments in Sudan on the sidelines of the summit. On the same day, a high-level conference will be held in Addis Ababa to support humanitarian efforts in Sudan.
