On 2 August, The SRSG UNOAU met with the European Union (EU)Special Envoy to the Horn of Africa, Dr. Annette Weber, to discuss the situation in the sub-region, with a particular focus on the situation in Sudan.

During the meeting, the EU Special Envoy stressed that the belligerents in Sudan appear at this stage resolved to pursuing a military solution to the conflict rather than negotiating a peaceful resolution, noting with concern both parties’ willingness to rearm.

The EU Special Envoy also underscored the increasing complexity of the conflict in Darfur. Overall, she noted the growing challenges in convening relevant stakeholders for preparatory peace talks and underscored the key role that the AU can play in engaging relevant actors, including belligerents, in preparation for the upcoming round of AU discussions with Sudanese stakeholders (tentatively scheduled for 8-15 September). The EU Special Envoy further underscored the importance of accurate planning and timing of AU-led dialogues, to enable a meaningful and inclusive participation of all stakeholders. Finally, the EU Envoy raised the issue of further exploring modalities to monitor a ceasefire in Sudan should a ceasefire prove forthcoming.

The SRSG emphasized to the EU Special Envoy that the AU’s role is central to resolving the crisis in Sudan, as the fate of Sudan is ultimately tied to the African continent. He also reiterated that civilian voices must be brought to the fore in any dialogue aimed at resolving the conflict and future peace processes. The EU Special Envoy and the SRSG further reflected on the deepening crisis in Ethiopia’s Amhara region, while also considering recent developments in Somalia, and the impact of such developments on overall instability and insecurity in the sub-region.