The African Union Peace and Security Council, during its meeting on Thursday, expressed deep concern over the continued armed conflict in Sudan, which has resulted in heavy loss of life, destruction of infrastructure, and an unprecedented humanitarian catastrophe — particularly in El Fasher, where residents are suffering from famine and acute food shortages.
The Council reaffirmed its commitment to respecting Sudan’s independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. It took note of statements delivered by Badr Abdelatty, Council Chair for February 2026, African Union Commission Chair Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, as well as representatives from IGAD, the League of Arab States, and the United Nations.
The Council strongly condemned serious violations against civilians in El Fasher by the Rapid Support Forces, including systematic killings, mass displacement, and ethnically targeted attacks. It called for accountability for those responsible for violations of international humanitarian law, demanded unhindered humanitarian access, and protection for humanitarian workers.
The Council renewed its call for an immediate humanitarian truce leading to a comprehensive Sudanese-led dialogue addressing the root causes of the conflict, stressing that there is no sustainable military solution. It welcomed the Sudanese national peace initiative presented by the transitional prime minister, calling for its full implementation in line with the AU roadmap, while making the transitional process more inclusive to enable a return to an elected civilian government.
The Council also condemned external interference and rejected the “parallel government” announced by the “Tasees” alliance led by the Rapid Support Forces, urging states not to recognize it. It called for accelerating efforts to identify external actors supporting the conflict through the sanctions subcommittee. The Council further urged the international community to mobilize resources to meet humanitarian needs, praised neighboring countries for hosting refugees, and announced a field mission to Sudan to engage with all parties while keeping the situation under review.
