Watchdog urges IGAD, AU to take more effective approach on Sudan violence

JUBA, APRIL 20, 2023 (SUDANS POST) – The Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO) is urging the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and African Union (AU) to take a more effective and responsive approach to the deadly violent situation in Sudan.

In a statement extended to Sudans Post and signed by its executive director Edmund Yakani, CEPO said that the ongoing armed violence in Sudan poses a new strategic security threat and shift in the Horn of African region extension.

“The scenario of weakening the strength of the state government in the Horn of African witnessed in the recent past is now extended to Sudan likely it may be extended beyond,” said the CEPO statement.

“The Horn of African political game of undermining security and political stability is gaining momentum from the supporters of the strategy which is gulf influence and anti-democracy forces,” it added.

Yakani emphasized that it’s crucial for IGAD members and Horn of African governments to take the armed violence in Sudan seriously, as it may extend beyond Sudan and undermine the security and political stability of other governments in the region.

“It is a time to take a serious stock on regional strategy for secure political stability, security, and economic protection. Current Sudan violence demonstrates clearly that there are many profiteers of violence in the Horn of African and IGAD region,” Yakani said.

“Based on this trend, IGAD leaders should review their self-approach and take primary responsibility for making peace and political stability prevail in the region,” Yakani stressed.

The CEPO statement further urged the government in Juba “to learn from the current ongoing violence in Sudan and avoid undermining genuine implementation of signed peace agreements, as it could potentially trigger deadly clashes over control of state governance and administration of the government.”

“The South Sudan president has been advised to play a genuine and effective role in bringing Sudan’s conflicting partners to the table of genuine and functional political dialogue,” it added.