Your Excellencies,
RE: DIVISIONS AND WAR OF WORDS IN IGAD IS NOT GOOD FOR THE CONFLICT OF SUDAN
Peace Greetings!
- We, as concerned citizens of the region, are deeply troubled by the escalating war of words within IGAD, and it appears that this situation is far from being resolved. There seems to be a pervasive sense of confusion within the IGAD Secretariat and at the AUC regarding how to effectively address the Sudan conflict.
- It is disconcerting that the leadership of both IGAD and the AUC appears to be at a loss in handling the Sudan conflict. This may be attributed to their perceived alignment with various factions in the conflict, potentially serving external interests that undermine African unity.
- The clock is ticking, Your Excellencies, as we approach the one-year mark since the Sudan war began in April 2023. The protracted conflict in Sudan is a stain on the unity of Africa and its commitment to peace and stability.
- On several occasions, I have corresponded with the esteemed heads of IGAD and the AUC Secretariat and Commission, expressing my concerns and offering alternative perspectives on the Sudan conflict. Regrettably, it appears that these leaders are more inclined to heed the instructions of external forces rather than consider alternative approaches.
- Sporadic surveys conducted across East Africa and the Horn of Africa suggest that a significant portion of our citizens has grown disillusioned with both IGAD and the AU due to their perceived failure to effectively address conflicts in the region. The unresolved DRC conflict is a glaring example of this failure.
- Two surveys conducted in November by my organization, involving Africans both on the continent and in the diaspora, revealed that nearly 80% of respondents lacked confidence in the current Chairperson of the AU and the Executive Secretary of IGAD. This sentiment is particularly strong among the youth, who aspire to see a better Africa for future generations.
- The lack of unity and cohesion within these organizations has been a source of concern. It is evident that both the AU and IGAD have fallen short in resolving conflicts across Africa, particularly the Sudan conflict.
- Your Excellencies, it is imperative to recognize that the Sudan conflict is not merely a clash of personalities between two generals; it represents a broader ideological battle with external dimensions. President Museveni aptly noted that Sudan belongs to Africa, not solely to the two individuals involved.
- One side of the Sudan conflict holds a card that could potentially bring an end to the war – the fate of General Bashir and the ICC factor. Astonishingly, this critical factor has not been adequately contextualized by IGAD and some AU peace negotiators. It is essential to engage key stakeholders to help resolve this issue.
- The ICC stands as a major obstacle in the Sudan conflict. It is well-documented that one side initially considered handing over Bashir to the ICC, while the other vehemently opposed this idea. Addressing this obstacle through the UN Security Council, under Chapter VII Article 39 & 40, which provides for Sudan’s deferral, could be a significant step towards healing.
- Your Excellencies, from the humanitarian crisis to human rights abuses perpetrated by both sides, there are critical issues that IGAD and the AUC have yet to bring to the world’s attention. Any genuine peace effort in Sudan must address the accountability obstacle that looms over the peace process.
- There is a vast number of Africans, like myself, deeply perturbed by the substantial quantities of weapons and recruits amassed by both sides in the Sudan conflict. My research findings, which I will present, will be nothing short of shocking.
- As Nigeria faces turmoil in West Africa, approximately 3 million Nigerians have been found or recruited by both sides in Sudan. This alarming situation should be a cause for concern for both IGAD and the AU.
- Your Excellencies, these large numbers of mostly West Africans embroiled in the conflict, who had initially intended to cross into Libya en route to Europe, have now become a new recruiting pool for both sides. These numbers are likely to impede any premature optimism about achieving peace in Sudan.
- The underlying truth is that achieving peace and order in Sudan remains a formidable task, given that some member countries of IGAD and the AU have vested interests in the conflict. It is essential for each state to transparently address any interests that may jeopardize the peace process.
- Considering the potential for regional conflict in the Middle East that could disrupt supply lines in the Red Sea, there is ample reason to exercise caution in the Sudan peace process.
- To avoid any complacency, it is crucial for IGAD and the AUC to engage in robust dialogue with those deeply entrenched in the Sudan peace process. Informal diplomacy could offer hope in the region.
- The war in Sudan has inadvertently brought together two opposing sides, each employing a ‘doughnut strategy.’ Surprisingly, this strategy has eluded IGAD and the AU for an entire year due to the ego-driven dynamics within these institutions.
- Lastly, I implore you, Your Excellencies, to consider an informal strategy of fostering goodwill between the two key generals in the Sudan conflict before bringing them to the negotiating table. Peace cannot be achieved if the main actors harbor deep animosity towards each other. When I negotiated the Uganda Peace Accord in Juba (GOU/LRA) in 2006-2008 alongside Ruhakana Rugunda, the first step was to have President Museveni and Joseph Kony agree on the agenda.
- The people of Africa yearn for peace in Sudan, and many of us stand ready to assist in any way possible to restore peace to Sudan. Transforming a peace process into a profit-driven endeavor while lives are lost in Sudan is perilous for Africa.
- I have spoken candidly, without fear or favor, because failing to do so would displease my Creator. I have consistently championed truth, just as I did with the ICC in Africa. At my age (over 65 years), my purpose on Earth is to advocate for future generations, not future elections.
- I believe that God has granted me life to be a voice for the voiceless Africans. I possess a wealth of evidence on the Sudan matter. It is my fervent hope that IGAD and the AUC will set aside their egos and embrace informal diplomacy to facilitate peacebuilding in Africa.
- Your Excellencies, I offer my heartfelt gratitude for your attention.
God bless Africa.
Dr. David Nyekorach-Matsanga Chairman/Founder PAF Member of RAS/IISS/Chatham House
Penned in Accra, Ghana January 18, 2024
✔️ HE President Museveni, Uganda
✔️ HE President Samia Suluhu, Tanzania
✔️ HE President Dr. William S. Ruto, Kenya
✔️ HE President Abdel-Fattah Al-Burhan, Sudan
✔️ HE Rt. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, Ethiopia
✔️ HE President Isaias Afwerki, Eritrea ✔️ HE President Salva Kiir, South Sudan
✔️ HE President Ismail Omar Guelleh, Djibouti
✔️ HE President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, Somalia
STAKEHOLDERS:
✔️ RSF Leader HE General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (“Hemetti”)
✔️ HE UN Secretary-General António Guterres
✔️ HE Chairperson AUC-Dr. Moussa Faki Mahamat
✔️ HE Dr. Workneh Gebeyehu, IGAD Executive Secretary
✔️ EAC Secretary HE General Dr. Peter Mathuki
✔️ Special Envoy for Special Duties HE Rt. Ruhakana Rugunda, Emeritus Prime Minister of Uganda
