By Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Halima Athumani
Published on 2024-01-20 01:46:14
The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) in East Africa has set a two-week deadline for Sudan’s warring factions to meet face-to-face and de-escalate the situation. The meeting in Kampala also addressed the tension between Ethiopia and Somalia, emphasizing the importance of respecting Somalia’s integrity.
During the IGAD meeting, the conflict and political tension in the Horn of Africa and Sudan were described as disturbing, senseless, and devastating. Djibouti President Ismaïl Omar Guelleh, who is also the IGAD chairperson, emphasized the urgency of addressing the challenging times the region is facing.
The conflict in Sudan erupted in April between the national army and the Rapid Support Forces, leading to the displacement of 7 million people and the death of 12,000. Sudan suspended its participation in the IGAD summit, accusing the regional body of violating its sovereignty.
The IGAD leaders, along with representatives from the European Union, African Union, and the United Nations, made a joint demand for the warring factions to resolve the conflict without external interference.
The Rapid Support Forces have been accused of mass killings and the use of rape as a weapon of war, particularly in Darfur. Both parties have also been accused of war crimes.
In addition to the situation in Sudan, IGAD expressed concern about the relations between Ethiopia and Somalia. Ethiopia recently signed a memorandum of understanding with Somaliland, a breakaway region of Somalia, potentially granting Ethiopia access to the sea in exchange for considering recognition of Somaliland as an independent country. IGAD emphasized that any agreements regarding Somaliland should be made in consultation with Somalia.
The U.S. special envoy for the Horn of Africa, Mike Hammer, voiced concerns about the potential disruption of the fight against the terrorist group al-Shabab as a result of the agreement between Ethiopia and Somaliland. The African Union Commission chairperson also urged both Somalia and Ethiopia to engage in discussions without delay, acknowledging the already difficult times the region is facing.
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