Khartoum:Arrangements are being made for the Chairperson of the African Union Commission to visit Sudan to discuss the country's membership in the African Union, as announced by Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Ambassador Mohi-Eddin Salem. Joint meetings are planned to address this issue.
According to Sudan News Agency, President of the Transitional Sovereignty Council, General Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan, recently met with the current Chairperson of the African Union, the President of Burundi, to discuss the need to restore Sudan's full membership in the African Union. Salem emphasized the importance of the AU rectifying its stance on Sudan, noting the reopening of the AU office in Sudan as a positive development.
The Foreign Minister highlighted that the African Union stands to lose from the current situation, as Sudan is a pivotal country within the Union. He stressed that if the AU aims to uphold the principle of 'African solutions to African problems,' it should address the repercussions of the war in Sudan. Salem also mentioned discussions with European officials who recognize Sudan's role in resolving African issues.
Salem criticized the African Union's Peace and Security Council for its hasty decision to suspend Sudan's participation in certain activities, despite the country maintaining its membership. He pointed out flaws in the Council's protocol and charter, arguing it was unreasonable to suspend Sudan's participation following the response of its armed forces to a popular uprising.
He also mentioned that during a meeting of the African Peace and Security Council in February, he requested a review of the decision to suspend Sudan's membership, arguing the decision lacked a legal basis. Salem noted that President Al-Burhan's actions were meant to correct an untenable situation, which led to the resignation of then-Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok, a move he described as constitutional.
Additionally, Salem affirmed Sudan's full membership in the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and recognized Sudan's role in establishing IGAD in the 1980s. He praised Djibouti President Ismail Omar Guelleh for his efforts in advancing the organization and noted the reopening of the IGAD office in Khartoum following the visit of the IGAD Executive Secretary.