Port Sudan, October 2 (Darfur24)
Sudanese Prime Minister Kamil Idris announced on Wednesday that Sudan’s return to the African Union (AU) is only a matter of time, following high-level talks with African leaders on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York.
Idris said the Sudanese delegation held meetings with the Chairperson of the AU, the Chairperson of the AU Commission, and several heads of state, during which they reached understandings regarding Sudan’s reinstatement.
The African Union suspended Sudan’s membership on October 21, 2021, following the military coup that toppled the transitional government of Abdalla Hamdok.
Speaking at a press briefing organized by the Sudan News Agency, Idris stressed that the AU “needs Sudan’s return more than Sudan needs the AU,” highlighting Sudan’s status as a founding member of the Organization of African Unity.
He said there was “strong and positive” support from African leaders for Sudan’s return, emphasizing that the matter now depends on completing agreed steps.
Idris outlined the priorities of what he called the “Government of Hope” in the coming period, including national recovery, Sudanese-Sudanese dialogue, and lifting the siege on cities, particularly El Fasher, to pave the way for peace.
He reiterated that Sudan is “a peace advocate, not a war advocate,” adding that peace and development are inseparable.
Idris said Sudan’s roadmap for peace, which has received broad international backing, will serve as the basis for negotiations once fully endorsed.