AU reopens Sudan liaison office to boost peace efforts amid challenges
The African Union has decided to reopen its Sudan liaison office in Khartoum, reversing its April 2023 withdrawal when fighting erupted between Sudan's army and paramilitary forces. AU Commission Chairperson's Special Representative Mohamed Belaiche visited Sudan's Sovereign Council head Abdel Fattah al-Burhan on July 8 to discuss the move, which aims to provide on-the-ground technical support and maintain direct communication channels with warring parties.
This signals the AU's commitment to resolving Sudan's three-year war and refusal to cede peacemaking role to external actors like the UN, EU or Arab League. The office historically implemented peace agreements from North-South Sudan conflicts and advised AU on suspensions after 2019 and 2021 coups. Its return could strengthen AU's position as primary interlocutor in Sudan's peace processes, especially after the UN mission closed in February 2024 and most embassies relocated.
However, success faces hurdles: needing political backing from all Sudanese factions (not just the Sovereign Council), security risks for staff amid ongoing clashes, and maintaining neutrality to avoid bias perceptions. The transitional government seeks AU recognition to bolster its fight against the RSF, while Belaiche must engage civil society and professional unions to ensure inclusive dialogue. Without clear neutrality guarantees and safety assurances, the office's impact may be limited despite its strategic value for continental peace efforts.
Will this physical presence translate into meaningful peace progress, or will internal divisions and security threats hinder the AU's renewed engagement in Sudan?