Peace and conflict resolution experts emphasize the need for IGAD (Intergovernmental Authority on Development) mediators to maintain a high political ground, preventing any conflicting parties from manipulating the mediation process.
Dr. Arthur Bionomugisha highlighted the careful scrutiny required for assessing the recent actions of Sudan Army chief Abdel Fattah’s pullout from IGAD and the willingness of paramilitary leader Mohamed Hamdan Daglo to engage in talks, suggesting that these may be tactical moves in the peace mediation arena.
In response to Khartoum’s announcement on Friday, freezing relations with IGAD for inviting paramilitary chief Mohamed Hamdan Daglo to a summit in Uganda, experts caution against mediators being compromised by either party involved in the conflict.
“As a mediator, you should meet both parties, or else you could be mistaken. Peace blocks need to work on the principle of fairness to all stakeholders,” underscores Dr. Arthur Bionomugisha, echoing the sentiment of experts in the field.
Sudan is currently grappling with one of the fastest unfolding crises globally, with more than 7.4 million people displaced, and over half of the population requiring humanitarian support due to insurgency, according to the United Nations humanitarian agency OCHA.
While acknowledging that pullouts are normal tendencies in peace negotiations, experts urge IGAD not to lose hope in the mediation process.
They stress the importance of playing high political ground, emphasizing that such actions are common mediation practices.
“These are common mediation practices usually played,” states an expert in peace and conflict resolution, urging IGAD to suspend Sudan from the agenda temporarily, allowing time for reflection and consideration of possible opportunities.
As the situation unfolds, the focus remains on the crucial role of IGAD mediators in navigating the complex dynamics of Sudan’s conflict, ensuring impartiality, and promoting a fair and inclusive mediation process for the benefit of all stakeholders.
The call for high political ground becomes paramount in preserving the integrity of the mediation efforts.
