The European Union welcomes the outcome of the 41st Extraordinary Assembly of the IGAD, hosted by Djibouti on 9 December 2023.

The mutual commitments made by the belligerents of the conflict in Sudan to an unconditional ceasefire, political dialogue and a face-to-face meeting must be honoured. 

The EU urges the belligerents to stop the fighting immediately and respect the commitments they made to the leaders of the region. The Sudanese people have suffered immensely. Unhindered humanitarian access must be assured and the civilian population given the protection that is their right under international law. 

The European Union commends in particular the efforts of the Djibouti President Ismail Omar Guelleh and the Kenyan President William Ruto and the unity of purpose shown by IGAD and the African Union. We will continue supporting African-led efforts to chart a unified and coordinated pathway to peace, together with the Personal Envoy of the UN Secretary General Ramtane Lamamra. Now is also the time for all stakeholders to redouble their efforts to build the broadest and most inclusive Sudanese civilian coalition that will be the base for the resumption of the transition to democracy and the preservation the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Sudan.