At the African Union summit, the dire situation in Sudan, exacerbated by a civil war that has caused tens of thousands of deaths and displaced over 11 million people, has come to the forefront. U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres and the African Union's Commission Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat, along with others, stressed the necessity for immediate international intervention to alleviate the suffering and work towards a resolution. The conflict in Sudan, characterized by ongoing rivalries and humanitarian suffering, is now deemed the worst such crisis in the world, according to the United Nations.

Despite repeated calls for a ceasefire, diplomats indicate that the complexities of regional tensions, particularly the rivalry between Saudi Arabia and the UAE, complicate any potential resolution in Sudan. This rivalry has implications not just for Sudan but also for broader regional stability, affecting conflicts in Libya and the tensions between Eritrea and Ethiopia, the latter being the summit's host country. The discussions highlighted the interconnectedness of these issues, underlining that without addressing regional power dynamics, a sustainable peace in Sudan may remain out of reach.

The summit serves as a critical platform for discussing pressing African issues, with the international community being urged to prioritize humanitarian assistance and constructive diplomatic efforts. Experts like Alex Vines emphasize that solutions will require not only immediate responses to the humanitarian crisis but also a long-term strategic approach to resolve the underlying political and military conflicts. The situation in Sudan is a stark reminder of the broader challenges facing the continent and the need for robust international cooperation to achieve lasting peace and stability.