AU high-level panel on Sudan commences its work

Addis Ababa, February 3, 2024 (FBC) – The African Union High Level Panel on Sudan (HLP-Sudan), established by the Chairperson of the Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat, in line with the Communique of the 1185th meeting of the Peace and Security Council, commenced its work on 31 January 2024 with a virtual introductory and orientation meeting with the Technical Advisory Team within the Political Affairs, Peace and Security Department of the African Union (AU), an official press release confirmed today.

The meeting convened by the AU Commissioner for Political Affairs Peace and Security, Ambassador Bankole Adeoye, discussed steps for the implementation of the AU strategy towards peace and security in Sudan.

“The HLP-Sudan committed to working with the people of Sudan to end the fighting and put in place a process towards lasting and inclusive peace, democracy and justice in the country. They also pledged their resolve to work within their mandate and in collaboration with the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), the United Nations (UN) and the League of Arab States (LAS), and all stakeholders towards the resolution of the conflict in Sudan and forge a course for the rebuilding of the country and safe return of the millions of displaced Sudanese,” the press note indicated.

It is further indicated that the HLP-Sudan Chaired by Dr Mohamed Ibn Chambas, the AU High Representative for Silencing the Guns, also includes Dr Specioza Wandira-Kazibwe, Former Vice President of the Republic of Uganda and Ambassador Fransisco Madeira, Former Special Representative of the Chairperson to Somalia and Former Head of ATMIS.

The AU Commission reiterated that it remains “committed to working with the people of Sudan to end the fighting and put in place a process towards a lasting and inclusive peace, democracy and justice in the country, and looks forward to working with the HLP-Sudan to this end.”

The AU also called on all Sudanese stakeholders, as well as countries of the region and the broader international community, to extend all support to the HLP-Sudan as it seeks to support Sudanese efforts to end the fighting and allow for the rebuilding of Sudan and the return of the millions of displaced Sudanese.