Entebbe, January 21, 2024 – The 42nd Extraordinary Assembly of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (Igad) convened in Entebbe has set a 14-day deadline for Sudan’s conflicting factions to engage in talks and resolve the ongoing conflicts. The summit, led by Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni and chaired by Ismail Omar Guelleh of Djibouti, also addressed the Ethiopia-Somaliland sea deal, directing Ethiopia to withdraw.
The leaders, including President William Ruto of Kenya, Sheikh Mohamud of Somalia, and Salva Kiir of South Sudan, called for an immediate ceasefire and cessation of hostilities, urging the warring parties in Sudan to hold a face-to-face meeting within the specified timeframe.
The conflict between Sudanese Armed Forces and paramilitary Rapid Support Forces has resulted in over 10,000 casualties and displacement of hundreds of thousands. The Igad Secretariat, in collaboration with the African Union Commission, is tasked with revising the conflict resolution roadmap within a month.
The summit applauded the appointment of a High-Level Panel for Sudan, comprising Mohamed Ibn Chambas, Dr Specioza Wandira-Kazibwe, and Francisco Madeira, to facilitate an inclusive process toward restoring peace and stability.
Despite previous ceasefire agreements, hostilities persist, prompting US Special Envoy Michael Hammer to call on the involved parties to adhere to their commitments. The Sudanese government recently suspended ties with Igad, accusing it of violating sovereignty.
In addition to addressing the Sudan crisis, the summit called for de-escalation of tensions between Somalia and Ethiopia over the Ethiopia-Somaliland sea agreement. The leaders affirmed their recognition of Somalia’s sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity, urging resolution to prevent further instability in the region.