The African Union (AU) has confirmed the suspension of Sudan from all AU activities due to the ongoing failure to establish a civilian-led transitional authority following the country’s 2019 military coup. The decision, first enacted on 6 June 2019 by the AU’s Peace and Security Council (PSC), remains in force amid a lack of meaningful democratic progress in the country.
The PSC cited Sudan’s continued political instability and the Transitional Military Council’s reluctance to transfer power to civilian authorities as key reasons for the suspension. The council reiterated that only a credible, civilian-led transition can offer Sudan a pathway out of its prolonged governance crisis.
The move reflects the AU’s broader commitment to constitutional order and democratic governance across the continent. In its strongly worded resolution, the PSC expressed deep concern over the violent crackdown on civilian protesters in June 2019, which led to the deaths and injuries of scores of people. The council condemned the brutality and called for accountability for those responsible.
“The African Union stands in unwavering solidarity with the people of Sudan as they pursue a peaceful transition toward democracy,” read part of the PSC communiqué. “We will not tolerate any obstruction to this process. Failure to establish a civilian authority will compel us to take punitive actions against individuals or groups impeding progress.”
To advance accountability, the PSC tasked the AU Commission Chairperson, in collaboration with Sudanese stakeholders, IGAD (Intergovernmental Authority on Development), and the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR), to develop and submit a report outlining mechanisms for investigating the violent events of 3 June 2019. That day remains one of the darkest in Sudan’s post-coup history, marked by the violent dispersal of peaceful protestors in Khartoum.
The suspension of Sudan is part of the AU’s broader peace and security framework, which rejects unconstitutional changes of government and commits to promoting good governance, democracy, and respect for human rights.
The African Union, headquartered in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, continues to monitor developments in Sudan and has reiterated its readiness to support an inclusive, Sudanese-led political dialogue that restores civilian rule.
