Addis Ababa: Sudan’s Ambassador to Ethiopia, Al-Zein Ibrahim Hussein, has formally submitted Sudan’s approval to join the Organization of Southern Cooperation (OSC) to the organization’s Secretary-General, Mansour bin Musallam, at the OSC headquarters in Addis Ababa. This marks Sudan’s initial step towards integration into the emerging organization focused on fostering cooperation among Southern countries.
According to Sudan News Agency, the Ambassador conveyed the consent of Abdel-Fattah Al-Burhan, President of the Transitional Sovereignty Council (TSC), following a letter from the rotating President of the Organization’s Council and the Union of the Comoros President. This communication stressed the significance of the emerging organization. Ambassador Hussein expressed Sudan’s eagerness to finalize membership procedures swiftly to actively participate and leverage the opportunities provided by the OSC, especially in fields like education, technology, economy, and development.
Ambassador Hussein also briefed the Secretary-General on the ongoing conflict in Sudan, highlighting the challenges posed by the foreign-backed Rapid Support Forces (RSF) militia and the measures taken by the Sudanese army to restore control, including the recapture of Khartoum. He emphasized the need for the organization’s support during these critical times as Sudan prepares for reconstruction and capacity-building projects post-conflict.
Secretary-General Mansour bin Musallam expressed gratitude for Sudan’s decision to join the OSC, affirming the support for Sudan through various programs. He outlined the OSC’s principles and goals, which include establishing balanced education systems, enhancing research and productive capacities, developing local technologies, and promoting a knowledge-based economy. The organization, founded in 2020 with its General Secretariat established in 2023, holds its General Assembly annually in November.
Mansour bin Musallam emphasized Sudan’s strategic importance in the region, noting that its accession would significantly strengthen the organization. He also committed to presenting Sudan’s membership for ratification at the next OSC Council meeting. The OSC aims to support member countries in sectors such as renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and financial sector improvement through debt relief and concessional financing for development.