IGAD and religious leaders demand ceasefire in Sudan

Sheikh Shaban Mubaje addresses a meeting of IGAD and the African Council of Religious Leaders in Nairobi on October 28, 2024. [Courtesy]

The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and prominent African religious leaders have issued a joint call for an immediate ceasefire in the war-torn Sudan.

Speaking in Nairobi, IGAD officials, alongside representatives of the African Council of Religious Leaders (ACRL), called for quick intervention to stop a humanitarian crisis that has displaced 12 million people.

The forum, at the same, said that achieving peace in Sudan requires inclusive talks with diverse stakeholders, including community leaders, women, youth and people with disabilities.

The conflict in Sudan was sparked by a clash between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, and has deep-rooted causes that are historical, political, economic, and social.

"The peace process toward restoring a civilian transition in Sudan will greatly benefit from the involvement of religious leaders, who can play critical roles in conflict mediation, humanitarian support, and community healing," they said.

IGAD Executive Secretary Workneh Gebeyehu said religious leaders hold a unique position as trusted figures who resonate across diverse communities and who, by virtue of the faith roles, can influence peaceful resolution of conflicts.

"You are entrusted with being the voice of reason amid disagreements, making you essential partners in promoting inclusive governance, conflict resolution, and community resilience," Gebeyehu told the religious leaders.

The IGAD boss stressed collective action to restore order in wart-torn nations. "We welcome the opportunity to formally integrate religious leaders into our regional mechanisms, such as the Conflict Early Warning and Response Mechanism, where your insights can help prevent emerging conflicts," he added.

The meeting focused on addressing regional challenges, including peacebuilding, countering violent extremism, climate change, and fostering interfaith dialogue. Through collaboration with ACRL, IGAD aims to leverage the influence of religious leaders to promote stability, mutual understanding, and sustainable development across the Horn of Africa.

ACRL representatives at the Nairobi meeting included Secretary General Francis Kagema, Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje, Grand Mufti of Uganda and Council Co-Chair, and Archbishop Albert Chama of the Anglican Provinces of Africa.

The religious leaders committed to supporting IGAD's peace efforts through outreach and peaceful conflict resolution. IGAD and ACRL are exploring a Memorandum of Understanding to formalize their collaboration, focusing on regular dialogues, joint capacity-building programs, and advocacy efforts.

The Nairobi took place just days before US Special Envoy for Sudan Tom Perriello arrived for discussions with leaders in Kenya, Uganda, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt. His mission includes advocating for urgent humanitarian access within Sudan, prioritizing civilian protection, and pushing for a peaceful transition to civilian governance.