The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) issued a formal statement strongly condemning violations committed by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Sudan.
This announcement marks a significant policy shift for the regional bloc, which has historically maintained a neutral stance by calling for restraint from both the RSF and the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF).
IGAD Executive Secretary Dr. Workneh Gebeyehu specifically denounced “all forms of violations” by the RSF and reaffirmed the bloc’s support for Sudan’s existing national institutions and sovereignty.
The statement followed high-level consultations in Djibouti between Dr. Gebeyehu and Sudan’s Prime Minister, Dr. Kamil El-Tayeb Idris.
IGAD urged the Sudanese government to rejoin the regional bloc and expressed its readiness to welcome Sudan back into its institutional framework.
Sudan had suspended its membership in early 2024 due to disagreements over IGAD’s previous mediation approach. The bloc formally welcomed Sudan’s “National Initiative” for peace and stability, presented by Prime Minister Idris during the consultations.
This regional condemnation coincides with the European Union blacklisting seven individuals on January 29, including the brother of RSF leader Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, for their roles in the ongoing conflict.
By Anthony Solly
