The meeting, held on Tuesday, focused on the latest political and military developments in Sudan. Belaiche praised what he described as the armed forces’ efforts to repel the RSF and restore stability, while also urging a renewed commitment to dialogue. The AU’s position calls for a political resolution grounded in the May 2023 Jeddah Agreement, viewing a civilian-led transitional government as essential to easing the country’s humanitarian crisis and enabling the return of displaced populations.

In a separate statement, the AU Peace and Security Council emphasized that it only recognizes the Transitional Sovereign Council and the newly formed civilian government. The Council rejected the legitimacy of the “parallel government” announced by the RSF and urged AU member states and the broader international community not to endorse it. It reiterated that a military solution to the conflict is not viable and called for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire, followed by comprehensive national dialogue.

RSF Declares Presidency Amid Deepening Crisis

The RSF’s move to establish a “Presidency of the Transitional Peace Government,” led by its commander Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (Hemeti), drew sharp condemnation from Sudanese state authorities and the military. Official statements referred to the declaration as a “phantom government” that threatens to escalate national fragmentation.

Since April 2023, Sudan has been engulfed in a brutal war between the RSF and the army, resulting in tens of thousands of deaths and displacing over 13 million people. The United Nations warns that famine is spreading, and the humanitarian crisis continues to worsen. The AU stressed that foreign military and financial interference must end and urged all sides to recommit to political negotiation.