Rosalind Evans
In a dramatic escalation of regional tensions, the Sudanese government announced on Tuesday the suspension of its relationship with the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), an East African regional bloc. This decisive move comes as a response to IGAD’s contentious invitation to Gen. Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, a key figure in Sudan’s ongoing civil strife, for its upcoming 42nd summit in Kampala, Uganda. This development marks a significant turn in the bloody civil war that has engulfed Sudan, pitting the national army against the influential paramilitary force known as the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
The Sudanese foreign ministry, which aligns with the army led by Gen. Abdel-Fattah Burhan, expressed its disapproval in a statement. The ministry condemned IGAD’s unilateral decision to invite Dagalo, seeing it as a “violation of Sudan’s sovereignty.” This reaction underscores the deepening rift between the Sudanese government and regional players in the conflict.
Gen. Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, who commands the RSF, has been a central figure in the power struggle that erupted into open conflict last April. The confrontation has seen intense street battles, notably in the capital and the western Darfur region. Despite recent mediation efforts by countries like Saudi Arabia and the United States, the warring factions have failed to reach an agreement, with the two military leaders yet to engage in direct talks since the onset of the war.
The conflict has had significant regional implications. A week before this announcement, Dagalo concluded a tour across Africa, engaging with government officials in Uganda, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, South Africa, and Rwanda. Meanwhile, the RSF has reportedly gained ground in the conflict, advancing across central Sudan.
The humanitarian consequences of the war have been severe. The United Nations reports that at least 12,000 people have been killed, and there are widespread allegations of war crimes committed by both sides.
This recent development in Sudan’s fraught political landscape highlights the complex interplay of national sovereignty, regional diplomacy, and internal conflict. As IGAD prepares for its summit without Sudan’s participation, the future of peace efforts in the region remains uncertain. The international community watches closely, hoping for a resolution to a conflict that has brought immense suffering and instability to the heart of East Africa.
