The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) has welcomed the Republic of Sudan's decision to fully rejoin the regional bloc, calling it a constructive step towards enhancing cooperation throughout the Horn of Africa.
In a statement released on Monday at the IGAD Headquarters, the IGAD Executive Secretary Workneh Gebeyehu stated that Sudan's renewed involvement arrives at a pivotal moment when collaborative efforts are essential to tackle common security, political, and humanitarian issues impacting member states.
"...as a founding Member State, Sudan’s renewed engagement strengthens IGAD’s unity and enhances its capacity to address shared regional priorities," reads part of the press release.
The IGAD Secretariat reiterated its commitment to collaborate with Sudan in seeking peaceful resolutions to the ongoing difficulties in the country, while also supporting initiatives aimed at fostering a stable and prosperous future for the Sudanese population and the broader region.
Sudan has been faced with conflict since April 15, 2023, between the Sudan Armed Forces and the Paramilitary Rapid Support Forces resulting into displacement of more than 12 million people both internally and to the neighbouring countries.
On January 20, 2024, the Sudanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced suspension of its membership in the Intergovernmental Authority on Development in protest of a meeting where Rapid Support Forces’ leader Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo was invited to Uganda.
IGAD, the United States and Saudi Arabia, have tried severally to mediate and end the war in Sudan but its efforts had been in vain as the Sudanese called for a Sudanese-led process to settle their differences.
