As Sudan marks a year of devastating conflict, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) Executive Secretary, Dr. Workneh Gebeyehu, has issued an urgent appeal for unified peace efforts to end the ongoing war, which has claimed thousands of lives and displaced millions.
In a heartfelt statement shared on X (formerly Twitter), Dr. Gebeyehu called for an end to fragmented peace interventions and stressed the importance of prioritizing the Sudanese people in all conflict-resolution efforts.“In this decisive moment, the peace efforts cannot afford to be fragmented; they need to be united on all fronts,” he said. “While different interests and needs may conflict, the voices and needs of the Sudanese people must come first.”The conflict, which erupted following a 2021 military coup, has pitted the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) against the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in a violent struggle for control. Over the past year, the fighting has spiraled into widespread violence, plunging the country into a deepening humanitarian crisis.
According to the United Nations, more than five million people have been uprooted from their homes, with thousands dead and many others injured or missing. The war has also led to severe shortages of food, water, and medical supplies, leaving aid groups struggling to access affected regions due to security and logistical challenges.
Dr. Gebeyehu offered his condolences to the victims and reiterated IGAD’s commitment to Sudan’s path to peace.“To the people of Sudan: Your aspiration for peace remains our guiding principle. We will not turn away, and we will not rest until peace is restored to your land,” he affirmed.
The IGAD chief emphasized that peace in Sudan is not merely a political issue but a humanitarian imperative, especially amid reports of ethnic violence, mass killings, sexual violence, and the burning of villages—particularly in Darfur, a region long marred by historical grievances.
Despite efforts by the African Union, United Nations, and other international partners to mediate, negotiations have remained slow and fragile. Dr. Gebeyehu called for a coordinated international response and renewed commitment to a credible peace process that reflects the will of the Sudanese people.“The time for a coordinated process is more urgent than ever,” he noted. “The only way forward is for the international community to unite behind one cause: the rights and needs of the Sudanese people must be prioritized in peace negotiations and peacebuilding efforts.”
As Sudan continues to grapple with the horrors of war, IGAD’s call for peace stands as a reminder of the urgent need for global solidarity and meaningful action to end the bloodshed and begin rebuilding a peaceful, inclusive future for all Sudanese.
