AU’S STRATEGIC OPTIONS FOR SUDAN’S REINSTATEMENT

The African Union (AU) faces a critical challenge in deciding Sudan's membership status, balancing its "Zero Tolerance" policy against unconstitutional changes of government with the continent's peace and security needs.

Following a military coup led by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan in October 2021, Sudan's membership in the AU was suspended. As of February 2026, this suspension remains in effect, with the AU Peace and Security Council (PSC) insisting on the restoration of a democratic transitional government.

The article argues that the AU must move beyond a binary choice of strict suspension or unconditional recognition. Maintaining Sudan's suspension upholds AU principles but limits its capacity for effective peacebuilding and reduces its influence on mediation efforts. The AU's isolation of Sudan's de facto authorities hinders inclusive dialogue and regional security coordination, prioritizing constitutional principles over practical mediation.

The AU has several options for navigating Sudan's membership restoration while balancing legal mandates with regional stability. One approach involves a step-by-step diplomatic strategy, limiting Sudan's membership to technical committees until it adheres to the AU's "Zero Tolerance" policy for unconstitutional changes of government. This current approach, however, has not eased the worsening humanitarian crisis and increasing instability across the sub-Saharan region.

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The AU must move beyond the binary of strict suspension or unconditional recognition, argues SAMI ABDELHALIM SAEED