Sudan’s Foreign Ministry has announced a cessation of its involvement in the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD). The decision was prompted by the inclusion of a Sudanese paramilitary leader, who is widely accused of human rights violations, at an IGAD meeting in South Sudan.
The invitation extended to Lt. Gen. Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, also known as Hemeti, ignited political furor. The move has upset Sudan’s civilian-led transitional government as it makes an effort to dissociate itself from individuals tied to the previous administration of ousted President Omar al-Bashir.
Lt. Gen. Dagalo, who was firmly allied with al-Bashir, is a significant personality within Sudan’s military council. His leadership of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a paramilitary unit with a human rights record blemished by widespread allegations of abuses, has attracted substantial international criticism.
The decision to include him in the IGAD meeting, a gathering of representatives from East African nations, has thrown a spotlight on the ongoing tensions between the military and civilian leadership in Sudan. The civilian administration aims to steer clear of influences from the past regime and reaffirm its commitment to transitioning to democracy. However, delicate power dynamics between the two sides restrain such a transition.
The Foreign Ministry’s statement did not entail how long the suspension of participation in IGAD would last. Neither did it offer further details about whether it applies to all IGAD activities.
The move has, nonetheless, sent a clear message to the regional bloc and to the international community at large. The transitional Sudanese government will not stoop to any act that would represent tacit approval of suspected human rights violators, underscoring their focus on upholding democratic values and human rights.
IGAD, since its inception, has been a key vehicle for fostering peace, security, and economic development in East Africa. Comprising eight member states, the bloc regularly holds meetings to discuss regional conflicts and human rights issues. The decision to invite Lt. Gen. Dagalo to the South Sudan IGAD meeting has, however, sparked controversy, suggesting that the regional bloc could potentially overlook the alleged human rights abuses for the sake of political expedience.
