AU Entrusts Museveni with Sudan Mediation As It Condemns RSF Atrocities

The African Union (AU) Peace and Security Council (PSC) has directed Ugandan President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, in his capacity as Chair of the PSC Presidential Ad-hoc Committee on Sudan, to urgently facilitate negotiations between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) as part of renewed efforts to end the brutal conflict in Sudan.

The decision was adopted during the PSC’s 1308th emergency meeting held on Monday, October 28, 2025, in Addis Ababa, which focused on the deteriorating situation in Sudan—particularly the atrocities reported in El Fasher, North Darfur.

In its communiqué, the Council expressed “alarm over the escalating violence and reported atrocities in El Fasher following its takeover by the RSF,” warning that the crisis had caused an “unprecedented humanitarian catastrophe.” The PSC condemned in the strongest terms the grave violations of human rights and international humanitarian law, perpetrated by the RSF, calling on it’s leadership to uphold international norms and ensure civilian protection.

The move follows reports that the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) killed at least 1,500 people over the past three days during their capture of El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur, according to the Sudan Doctors Network. The group described the situation as “a true genocide” as civilians attempting to flee the city were attacked.

The Council demanded an immediate and unconditional cessation of hostilities and the opening of humanitarian corridors to allow lifesaving aid to reach affected populations. It also warned that perpetrators of heinous crimes would be held accountable, tasking the AU Commission to monitor, document, and propose measures to prevent further escalation of violence.

Reiterating that there is “no military solution to Sudan’s crisis,” the PSC rejected the establishment of the “so-called parallel government” by the RSF and urged the international community not to recognize it. The Council emphasized the need for an inclusive, inter-Sudanese dialogue as the only viable path toward restoring peace and democratic governance.

In a significant move, the PSC called on President Museveni’s committee to “urgently facilitate the negotiation process between the leaders of the SAF and the RSF, including the holding of an AU Special Summit on Sudan.” This signals renewed AU engagement under Uganda’s leadership to steer Sudan’s warring factions back to the negotiating table.

The PSC further condemned external interference in the Sudanese conflict, warning that those fueling the war in violation of AU and UN resolutions would be held accountable. The Council requested the AU Subcommittee on Sanctions, in coordination with CISSA and AFRIPOL, to identify foreign actors providing military, financial, or political support to the warring factions within three weeks.

The AU also tasked its Special Envoy on the Prevention of Genocide and Other Mass Atrocities to undertake a fact-finding mission to Sudan and report back to the Council with recommendations within the same timeframe.

Reaffirming its commitment to Sudan’s sovereignty and unity, the Council pledged to continue supporting the Sudanese people in their pursuit of peace, stability, and democratic governance, stressing that “the guns must be silenced through inclusive dialogue and reconciliation.”

The PSC concluded by reaffirming its decision to remain “actively seized of the matter.”