Kenya, South Sudan, and Djibouti were represented at regional talks aimed at calming the escalating violence in Sudan, according to IGAD officials. The Intergovernmental Authority on Development, a regional bloc focused on stability and development in East Africa, has been coordinating high-level efforts to broker a pause in fighting between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces. In recent days, IGAD leadership has stressed the urgency of a ceasefire and direct negotiations to find a sustainable political arrangement in Sudan, where the conflict has repeatedly disrupted civilian life and threatened regional security.
A video conference conducted on April 16 brought together senior IGAD diplomats and security envoys to assess the latest developments on the ground. The participants reviewed the positions of the military leadership on both sides and discussed practical steps to reduce violence and protect civilians. The discussions also explored the humanitarian corridors that would allow aid to reach communities affected by the fighting, as well as the safe evacuation of vulnerable populations where possible.
The Kenyan government, speaking through official channels, conveyed that IGAD had urged the leadership in Khartoum to halt hostilities and return to the negotiating table. The message was directed at Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, the Commander-in-Chief of the Sudanese Armed Forces, and Mohammed Daglo, also known as Hamdan Dagalo, who heads the Rapid Support Forces. IGAD underscored the need for both sides to demonstrate restraint and commit to a path of dialogue rather than continuing battlefield actions.
In parallel, regional observers noted the broader political implications of the crisis, emphasizing that sustained fighting could destabilize neighboring countries and create long-term security risks. IGAD officials highlighted that a negotiated settlement would require credible commitments from all parties, including mechanisms for ceasefire verification, protection for civilians, and a timetable for political reforms. The alliance also stressed the importance of maintaining unity among the East African states to bolster international support for a peaceful resolution.
Former regional and international interlocutors have repeatedly called for an immediate de-escalation of tensions. Some voices in the diplomatic community have urged the Sudanese authorities to prioritize humanitarian access and civilian protection, arguing that even limited pauses in combat could facilitate relief operations and stabilize urban centers that have seen intense fighting. The broader goal is to create a conducive environment for national dialogue that can eventually lead to a civilian-led government and a transition plan acceptable to the Sudanese people.
Analysts note that the crisis in Sudan is multifaceted, with military factions, political actors, and regional interests intersecting in ways that complicate mediation efforts. IGAD’s approach combines pressure for a halt in fighting with a constructive framework for dialogue, aiming to build confidence between the conflicting parties while offering technical and logistical support for negotiations. The organization has signaled its willingness to continue coordinating with international partners to sustain momentum on a peace process that respects Sudan’s sovereignty and the aspirations of its citizens.
As the situation remains fluid, IGAD continues to monitor developments and maintain communication with the Sudanese leadership, civilian authorities, and humanitarian agencies. The ultimate objective remains a durable ceasefire, secure humanitarian access, and an inclusive political process that can restore stability across Sudan and contribute to regional security in East Africa. The period ahead is seen by regional experts as critical for transforming immediate tactical gains into long-term political solutions that can prevent renewed cycles of violence.
Note: Reports from the region indicate that Saudi and other international actors have also encouraged an end to hostilities and the resumption of negotiations, reinforcing the sense of a global push for peace in Sudan. The evolving diplomacy around Khartoum reflects a concerted effort to align regional and international voices behind a transition plan that respects the needs and rights of Sudanese civilians while addressing the security concerns of neighboring states.