Today, Sudan announced its return to the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), an organization focused on regional cooperation in Eastern Africa, after a suspension of its membership that began in January 2024. The Sudanese foreign ministry released a statement confirming that the government will resume full activity as a member of the regional group, which was halted due to grievances regarding IGAD's handling of Sudan's situation. Specifically, Sudan had objected to the inclusion of its internal matters on IGAD's agenda without prior consultation.

The past two years have seen Sudan embroiled in a conflict between the Rapid Support Forces, led by Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (Hemedti), and the Sudanese army. This ongoing conflict, which escalated in April 2023, has led to severe humanitarian crises, including famine conditions, thousands of deaths, and the displacement of approximately 13 million people. As such, Sudan's return to IGAD is significant, particularly considering the organization's commitment to supporting regional stability and not interfering in the internal affairs of member states.

The Sudanese government highlighted that the decision to re-engage with IGAD aligns with the positive statement made by the organization's secretariat, expressing its dedication to mutual regional cooperation frameworks. Furthermore, IGAD has acknowledged and respected Sudan's sovereignty and territorial integrity, which may play a crucial role in addressing the internal challenges the country is currently facing. This realignment with IGAD could facilitate Sudan's recovery efforts in the post-conflict phase, emphasizing the importance of regional partnerships in fostering peace and stability within the region.