By Gladys Fred Kole
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Dr. James Pitia Morgan has called upon the African Union to intervene in the ongoing crisis in Sudan.
He is currently attending the 44th African Union Executive Council Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, which is focused on promoting peace, integration, and development in the continent.
During his speech, the minister expressed his concern about the situation in Sudan and urged the African Union to take action to resolve the conflict.
“The situation in Sudan calls all of us in this August house to put our voices together to help our brothers and sisters in Sudan, the situation is getting out of hand despite all the attempts that our president Salva Kiir Mayardit has tried his best to help his brothers but all this has not come to pass.” Minister Pitia.
He urged that the African Union should look into the issue diplomatically and get involved in resolving the ongoing crisis as this is part of the mandate.
“It is our responsibility as the constitutive act of this august union calls upon us to protect the independence and territorial integrity of all its member states so the situation in Sudan needs to be addressed,” the minister stated.
However, the minister also brought to attention the issue of sanctions imposed on the African Union member states by foreign countries.
“The second issue that we want this august house to look at is the issue of sanctions imposed on this African union member states. It is also the responsibility of the African Union to take a lead in removing these unwarranted sanctions imposed on its members,” Morgan reiterated
“If the African Union is serious about fulfilling its agendas, these agendas can’t be fulfilled when the other member states are languishing under the imposed sanctions by foreign countries on the African member states.”
The 44th Ordinary Session of the Executive Council of the African Union commenced on Wednesday at the African Union Headquarters, with South Sudan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation among the attendees.
The summit aims to prioritize peace, integration, and development as key agenda items.
During the 2024 summit, African leaders will accurately assess how the continent can maintain its motion in tackling issues related to peace, security, regional integration, and development.
This happens every year and it serves as an opportunity to assess the progress made in addressing the security situation and conflicts in certain member states.
Additionally, it seeks to provide innovative recommendations for achieving sustainable resolutions and restoring peace.
The 44th African Union Executive Council Summit aspires to pave the way for a more peaceful, integrated and developed African continent.