Sudan’s deputy head of state, Malik Agar, has announced intentions to rejoin IGAD and the African Union during a visit to Djibouti. This comes after Sudan’s membership was suspended in 2024 due to protests regarding leadership participation at a summit. The letter presented to Djiboutian President Ismail Omar Guelleh emphasizes restoring bilateral ties and reactivating Sudan’s membership, amid the political fallout from a military coup in 2021.
Sudan’s deputy head of the ruling Sovereign Council, Malik Agar, expressed Khartoum’s intent to rejoin both the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and the African Union during a visit to Djibouti. This announcement was made during a meeting with Djiboutian President Ismail Omar Guelleh, the current president of IGAD. Agar presented a letter from Sovereign Council leader Abdel Fattah al-Burhan addressing the reestablishment of bilateral relations and membership activation.
Sudan had previously suspended its membership in IGAD on January 20, 2024, due to its protests against the participation of Rapid Support Forces (RSF) commander Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, also known as Hemetti, at an extraordinary summit held in Uganda. The suspension arose in response to governance concerns following a military coup, which occurred on October 25, 2021, led by al-Burhan and involving Hemetti’s collaboration.
The efforts to rejoin regional organizations indicate Sudan’s desire to strengthen diplomatic relations and enhance cooperation within the region, particularly under the leadership of President Guelleh of Djibouti. The successful reinstatement of Sudan’s membership could have significant implications for the stability and cooperation within the Horn of Africa region.
In summary, Sudan’s recent diplomatic outreach signals a renewed commitment to regional collaboration. The context surrounding its suspension from IGAD and the African Union highlights the ongoing political challenges, yet also suggests a potential pathway for reintegration into the regional community, pivotal for addressing mutual concerns and fostering peace.
In conclusion, Sudan’s pursuit of rejoining IGAD and the African Union, as indicated by Malik Agar’s visit to Djibouti, reflects its commitment to rekindle regional ties. The country’s previous suspensions underscore significant political challenges stemming from the military coup in 2021. However, this diplomatic initiative sets a foundation for Sudan’s potential reintegration, which could foster enhanced regional cooperation and stability in East Africa.
Original Source: capitalethiopia.com
