NAIROBI, Kenya- The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) is ramping up efforts to mediate in Sudan’s ongoing conflict.
On Monday, IGAD’s special envoy to Sudan, Lawrence Korbandy, confirmed plans to visit the war-torn nation early next year in a bid to foster peace and reestablish ties with the bloc.
The visit comes nearly a year after Sudan suspended its membership in IGAD, citing sovereignty concerns.
Sudan has been embroiled in a brutal conflict since April 2023, pitting the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), led by Mohamed Hamdan Daglo (commonly known as Hemeti), against the Sudanese Armed Forces, commanded by Abdel Fattah al-Burhan.
Despite numerous mediation attempts by IGAD, the United States, and Saudi Arabia, no resolution has been reached.
Korbandy described the suspension of Sudan’s IGAD membership as a “minor problem” and emphasized the importance of engaging with all parties to bring peace to the nation.
“My mandate is to bring peace to the Sudanese people,” he stated, adding that Sudan’s role as a founding member of IGAD underscores its critical place in regional stability.
Tensions between Sudan and IGAD escalated in January when the bloc extended an invitation to Daglo for a summit in Uganda. The army-aligned government condemned the move as a violation of Sudan’s sovereignty and retaliated by suspending its IGAD membership.
Despite the diplomatic fallout, Korbandy views the upcoming visit to Port Sudan as an opportunity for constructive dialogue. He aims to address both peace efforts and the reintegration of Sudan into IGAD’s activities.
For now, Sudan’s deteriorating humanitarian crisis remains a pressing concern. According to reports, the conflict has left tens of thousands dead and displaced over 12 million people. Both warring factions face accusations of war crimes and crimes against humanity.
Korbandy’s postponed visit, originally scheduled for December, signals a renewed push to mediate between the warring factions. “There is no other way, only to talk to all the parties in this conflict,” he remarked from Nairobi.
As Sudan teeters on the brink, regional and international actors continue to seek solutions to a crisis with far-reaching implications.
