NEW YORK, U.S.A – The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) has reinforced its commitment to a coordinated and inclusive peace process in the war-torn Sudan.
On the margins of the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA80), the European Union, African Union, France, Germany and the UK organised a Ministerial Meeting on Sudan.
The meeting was also attended by IGAD Executive Secretary Dr. Workneh Gebeyehu who joined partners in urging urgent, coordinated efforts to end the war and safeguard Sudan’s future.
“He stressed that peace must be Sudanese-led, inclusive, and firmly anchored in a credible transition to civilian rule,” reads a statement from IGAD, a Regional Economic Community of the African Union in part.
According to Dr. Gebeyehu, the path to peace in Sudan is clear:
•End external interference
•Secure an inclusive, Sudan-led process with a clear roadmap to civilian rule
•Forge unified and coordinated mediation
“At the Ministerial Meeting on Sudan on the margins of #UNGA80, convened by the EU, AU, France, Germany & the UK, I reaffirmed IGAD’s commitment to these principles. The people of Sudan cannot wait. Their lives, their dignity, and their future depend on our immediate response,” explained Dr. Gebeyehu.
Why IGAD convened a high-level meeting in Ethiopia
On March 18, 2025, IGAD convened the Forum of Special Envoys and Representatives on Harmonising Mediation Efforts for the Sudan Peace Process in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
The high-level meeting, chaired by Dr. Gebeyehu, brought together regional and international Special Envoys, partner representatives, and key stakeholders to coordinate mediation efforts and promote cooperation towards a Sudanese-owned and Sudanese-led resolution to the conflict.
Recognising the complexities of Sudan’s conflict, IGAD underlined the significance of a cohesive and well-coordinated mediation strategy.
The summit provided a structured framework for collaboration among Special Envoys and outlined concrete actions to assist Sudanese people in attaining long-term and sustainable peace.
“Our role as mediators is to facilitate a process that ensures the voices of Sudanese people are heard and their aspirations for peace are realised. This forum is a critical step towards streamlining efforts, avoiding duplication, and ensuring a collective impact,” said Dr. Gebeyehu.
What the Sudan’s discussions in Ethiopia focused on
The discussions centred on five key priorities: improving coordination among all Special Envoys, developing a roadmap for implementing the Jeddah Declaration, increasing engagement with Sudanese civil society, aligning accountability efforts, and boosting humanitarian diplomacy to assist conflict-affected populations.
The group emphasised that establishing peace in Sudan necessitates long-term commitment and a viable mediation plan.
Special Envoys and representatives underlined their commitment to collaborating closely with IGAD and Sudanese stakeholders to maintain discussion, build confidence, and promote a credible peace process.
IGAD has reaffirmed its commitment to working diligently to support diplomatic solutions that respect the sovereignty and aspirations of the Sudanese people. The organisation will continue to support Sudan until a peaceful, inclusive, and long-term resolution is reached.
As the meeting progressed, IGAD and its partners modified their collaborative approach and engagement strategy to achieve meaningful results. The meeting’s findings were intended to impact ongoing mediation efforts and lead to a more coordinated international response to the Sudan issue.
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