Sudan Conflict: Museveni Calls for Immediate Cessation of Hostilities to 'Stop Mockery of Africa'

President Yoweri Museveni condemned the misuse of force in the Sudan conflict and called for an immediate ceasefire.

"I join my comrades, the Heads of State of IGAD to express our deep concerns on the current situation in Sudan and immediately call for a cessation of hostilities between the two sides," President Yoweri Museveni tweeted on Monday.

"I condemn the misuse of force in a situation that undermines all progress made through dialogue over the last many months. We cannot keep papering over mistakes of unprincipled politics year after year." 

President Museveni said the fire should be ceased "to stop the tragedy and mockery of Africa" because it "is of utmost importance."

Following the escalation of fighting between the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), the Secretary of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) Dr. Workneh Gebeyehu on Sunday afternoon convened an emergency virtual closed meeting of the member Heads of State and governments to discuss how best to de-escalate the situation & restore calm in Sudan. 

The heads of state expressed deep concerns about the current situation and immediately called for a cessation of hostilities between the two sides. 

President Museveni said that barring any other illegitimate aim in causing instability, the apparent sticky issue of the time required to implement the merging of warring factions into the National Army is one that can be determined scientifically, considering known and, or, agreed-upon parameters such as health, education, training or the age of personnel.

On the concern of the fighting taking place within the populated areas, the president said it is irresponsible and should stop immediately as it places a heavy burden on the people and the future of the country. President Museveni told the delegates that Sudan does not belong to either of the fighting groups, but to the people of Sudan. The ultimate arbitration on political issues and determination of governance should be brought back to the people in an election.

The meeting was attended by Presidents William Ruto (Kenya), Salva Kiir (South Sudan), Hassan Sheikh Mohamud(Somalia), Ismail Omar Guelleh(Djibouti) and chaired by the Secretary of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) Dr. Workneh Gebeyehu.

On April 15, 2023, armed clashes erupted between SAF and RSF in heavily populated parts of the capital, Khartoum, and spread to other cities including in the Darfur region. The clashes follow weeks of rising tensions between the two forces over security force reform during negotiations for a new transitional government and was preceded by the SAF and RSF jointly overthrowing Sudan’s transitional government in October 2021.