The African Union (AU) called on the warring parties in Sudan to enforce an immediate ceasefire and initiate a political transition. The worsening humanitarian crisis in Sudan is a cause of serious concern to the 55-member pan-African bloc. According to recent estimates by international organizations, the conflict in Sudan has killed more than 28,700 people and displaced over 14 million. The AU suspended Sudan’s membership on October 27, 2021, two days after Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, chairman of Sudan’s Transitional Sovereign Council, declared a state of emergency and dissolved the ruling council. The lifting of the country’s suspension requires an inclusive political transition, said Bankole Adeoye, AU commissioner for political affairs, peace and security, told the media Sunday on the sidelines of the 38th AU Summit at its headquarters in Addis Ababa, the Ethiopian capital. The conflict is also damaging the reputation of Sudan, a founding member of the Organisation of African Unity, the precursor to the AU.
