Ugandan President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, in his capacity as Chairperson of the African Union Peace and Security Council, led discussions on Friday addressing the ongoing conflict in Sudan. During a virtual meeting from Uganda’s State Lodge, Nakasero, Museveni criticized what he termed as decades-long “ideological mistakes” by Sudan’s leadership.
Museveni identified divisive politics based on identity—Africans versus Arabs—and religious tensions between Muslims and Christians as fundamental issues fueling Sudan’s prolonged strife. Drawing parallels with Uganda’s own historical challenges, he emphasized the need for policies that prioritize national interests over sectarian divisions.
Highlighting the inefficacy of military solutions, Museveni condemned the use of force, attributing the exacerbation of Sudan’s humanitarian crisis to this approach. He stressed that sustainable peace requires dialogue and the prioritization of civilian protection.
The virtual gathering, attended by key AU figures including Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat and IGAD Executive Secretary Dr. Workneh Gebeyehu, underscored the urgency of achieving a ceasefire in Sudan. Mahamat called for international solidarity to support Sudan’s transition to democracy and prevent further destabilization in the region, while Gebeyehu emphasized the need for coordinated efforts to alleviate the suffering of Sudanese civilians.
Dr. Mohamed Ibn Chambas, Chairperson of the AU High-Level Panel on Sudan, described the conflict as surpassing crises in other global hotspots, urging decisive action from the AU Peace and Security Council to address escalating humanitarian concerns.
Among the resolutions issued was a unified call for Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces and Armed Forces to halt hostilities immediately. Leaders emphasized the inadequacy of military measures alone and called for robust investigations into reported human rights abuses.
The meeting concluded with a commitment to continued diplomatic efforts and international cooperation to facilitate a peaceful resolution to Sudan’s complex crisis.
