The African Union (AU) Peace and Security Council convened a virtual meeting on Wednesday to discuss the ongoing crisis in Sudan. The meeting, held at the level of foreign ministers, was attended by representatives from the United States, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and the United Arab Emirates.

This meeting aligns with the AU’s efforts to implement a comprehensive roadmap endorsed last May, which emphasizes an African-led and Sudanese-owned approach to resolving the crisis.

In a briefing on the recent round of ceasefire talks in Jeddah, Workneh Gebeyehu IGAD Executive Secretary and co-facilitator urged for an immediate ceasefire to end the violence. He further called for international support for the ongoing efforts to bring peace and stability to Sudan.

Mike Hammer, U.S. Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa and co-facilitator of the Jeddah process, also briefed the meeting on the discussions between the warring parties. The U.S. State Department reiterated its commitment to working closely with the AU to end the fighting in Sudan and support a Sudanese civilian-led process to restore Sudan’s democratic transition.

Sameh Shoukry Egyptian Foreign Minister stressed the need for coordination between effective international and regional efforts to resolve the crisis. He also underscored the initiative of Sudan’s neighbouring countries, noting their unique understanding of the complexities of the crisis and their strong desire to end it.

UAE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Shakhbout bin Nahyan called for an immediate ceasefire and a negotiated solution between the belligerents. He also emphasized the importance of supporting the political process and achieving national consensus towards forming a transitional government.

The meeting, which took place 24 hours before a UN Security Council meeting on Sudan, was chaired by Mahmoud Ali Youssef, Djibouti Foreign Minister and PSC Chairman. AU Commissioner for Political Affairs Bankole Adeoye also participated in the meeting.