Sudan resumes IGAD membership

The Sudanese government has announced that it will resume full participation in the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), citing renewed assurances from the regional bloc regarding respect for Sudan’s sovereignty and non-interference in its internal affairs.

In a statement, the government said that “international peace and security remain among its top priorities” and stressed its commitment to “maintaining stability at both regional and international levels”. It added that regional cooperation is a cornerstone of broader international collaboration.

The decision follows what Khartoum described a “positive statement issued by the IGAD Secretariat, in which the organization reaffirmed its adherence to the principles governing joint regional action, including non-intervention in the internal affairs of member states.”

“Based on these commitments, the Government of the Republic of Sudan will resume its full activity within the organisation,” the statement said.

Sudan expressed appreciation for the efforts of Djibouti’s President Ismail Omar Guelleh, the current Chairperson-in-Office of IGAD, as well as Djibouti’s Foreign Minister Abdoulkader Houssein, who chairs the IGAD Council of Ministers. The government also praised IGAD Executive Secretary Workneh Gebeyehu for his role in facilitating Sudan’s return.

IGAD welcomed Sudan’s decision, describing it as “a reaffirmation of regional solidarity and collective commitment to peace, stability, and cooperation across the region.” Executive Secretary Workneh Gebeyehu said Sudan’s return strengthens the organisation’s unity and enhances its ability to address shared regional priorities. He noted that Sudan is a founding member of IGAD and plays a significant role in its activities.

Gebeyehu also commended President Guelleh’s leadership, describing his engagement as constructive and instrumental in guiding the process through dialogue and consensus. In a statement, IGAD said it stands ready to work closely with Sudan to support a peaceful resolution to the country’s ongoing challenges and to promote a secure and prosperous future for both Sudan and the wider region.

Djibouti, in its capacity as IGAD’s Chairperson-in-Office, also welcomed Sudan’s reinstatement, saying the move “would strengthen regional cohesion and consolidate collective action among member states.” In the statement, the Djiboutian government described Sudan as holding a “central and strategic position within IGAD” due to its political and geographical importance, as well as its historical contributions to regional stability, development, and integration. The statement highlighted President Guelleh’s role in supporting Sudan’s return and said the move would reinvigorate IGAD’s response to shared regional challenges.

Sudan had previously suspended its participation in IGAD after the bloc invited Rapid Support Forces (RSF) commander Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, known as Hemedti, to attend an IGAD summit. Khartoum said the invitation was unacceptable, arguing that the RSF is engaged in active conflict with the Sudanese army and that the move amounted to legitimising an armed group it considers an adversary.

Sudanese authorities accused IGAD of violating Sudan’s sovereignty, saying the bloc’s handling of the conflict constituted interference in the country’s internal affairs. Military leaders also argued that IGAD’s language and positions undermined Sudan’s right to manage its political and security challenges independently. Khartoum said the suspension reflected a breakdown of trust in IGAD’s role as a mediator, accusing the organisation of bias and ineffectiveness in facilitating talks between the army and the RSF.

In recent weeks, however, IGAD has publicly condemned actions by the RSF, signalling a shift in its approach to the Sudan conflict. Sudan’s decision to re-engage with the regional bloc appears to reflect this change in posture.