Sources within the African Union told Sudan Tribune on Wednesday that preparations are underway between the AU Commission and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), with participation from United Nations officials, to establish a new mechanism for handling the Sudan file, to be headed by IGAD.
This comes as other AU sources noted that AU and IGAD officials recently held separate meetings with the UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy, Ramtane Lamamra, and AU Commissioner, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf.
The meetings discussed the Sudan file, including the creation of a joint mechanism between these parties, led by IGAD.
According to the sources, unofficial communications are taking place between the AU Commission and the Sudanese government.
While the AU Commissioner is expected to work closely on the Sudan file, sources remained skeptical about the AU Peace and Security Council lifting Sudan’s suspension.
Sudan Tribune’s follow-up indicates that the Sudanese government’s recent move to appoint a civilian prime minister is part of a new action plan.
According to well-informed sources, a Sudanese official within the AU is preparing a roadmap for the military leadership to end Sudan’s suspension from the organization, amid signs of significant understanding between the Sudanese official and the commissioner elected during the AU summit last February.
