The African Union and the Deadlock of Power in Sudan: Rejecting Parallel Governments and Pathways to Restoring Legitimacy
By Mohamed Omar Shamina
The African Union (AU) maintains a firm stance on the Sudanese crisis, reaffirming its categorical rejection of any attempts to establish a parallel government within the country. It underscores the need to stop the war and return to a path of civilian governance. This position aligns with the stances of the United Nations Security Council, the United Nations, the European Union, and the Arab League, all of which have refused to recognize any new political entity that could deepen the crisis and threaten Sudan’s unity.
The AU’s latest statement made it clear that the option of a parallel government never had any international or regional backing from the outset. Key stakeholders not only warned of the dangers it posed but also outright rejected recognizing it, making it a politically and diplomatically unfeasible project. Furthermore, the continuation of this approach could isolate Sudan internationally and potentially lead to more stringent measures from the global community.
The African Union, which remains committed to rejecting illegitimate governments, has reiterated its support for a roadmap to resolve the Sudanese crisis. This roadmap is based on six key pillars: a ceasefire, delivery of humanitarian aid, and progress toward a political settlement that ensures a return to civilian rule. This stance presents a clear challenge to the government in Port Sudan, which lacks recognition from the African Union. However, the AU simultaneously rejects any attempt to establish a parallel authority.
In this context, Sudan’s path out of the legitimacy crisis can be summarized in several essential steps:
- Immediate cessation of hostilities as a prerequisite for any viable political process.
- Launching an inclusive political process that accommodates all key actors without exclusion.
- Commitment to the AU roadmap and coordination with the AU to restore membership and enhance regional legitimacy.
- Re-engaging with the international community to secure diplomatic and political support for any new settlement.
- Offering international and regional guarantees for any new transitional arrangements, similar to the agreements reached in other African crises, such as those in Mali and South Sudan.
Moreover, the current AU Chairperson, Mohamed Ould Ghazouani, the President of Mauritania, known for his balanced policies, seeks to activate diplomatic solutions without siding with any particular faction. The visit of the Chairman of the Sovereignty Council, Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, to Nouakchott in January 2024 reflects Sudan’s attempt to gain Mauritania’s support, especially with its impending AU leadership at the time.
Additionally, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Djibouti’s Foreign Minister and Chair of the African Union Peace and Security Council, plays a significant role in managing the AU’s stance on Sudan. Djibouti, due to its position within the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), aims to maintain stability in the region, aligning its position with the AU’s rejection of any escalatory steps that could complicate the situation.
Meanwhile, the United Nations Security Council is scheduled to convene tomorrow, Thursday, at the request of Britain and Denmark to discuss the situation in Sudan. Although this session reflects ongoing international interest in the crisis, the chances of achieving a genuine breakthrough appear slim, particularly given the international divide over how to address the situation.
If the session does not result in concrete decisions or tangible pressure, it is likely to mirror previous meetings — limited to statements of condemnation and calls for dialogue without enforceable measures to change the reality on the ground. Nevertheless, Sudan’s continued political deadlock could increase international pressure and impose difficult choices on all parties involved.
The AU and the international community remain consistent in rejecting parallel governments while maintaining pressure to restore civilian rule. Amid these complexities, Sudan’s only viable solution lies in adopting a flexible approach based on ending the war, initiating a comprehensive political process, and collaborating with the AU and the international community to restore legitimacy and reclaim its regional and global standing.
