Khartoum: Chairman of Sudan's Transitional Sovereign Council Abdel Fattah al-Burhan met African Union (AU) envoy Mohamed Belaiche in Khartoum on Wednesday to discuss political and security developments, prospects for peace, and efforts to reopen an AU liaison office in the Sudanese capital.

According to Anadolu Agency, the meeting was attended by Sudanese Foreign Minister Mohieddine Salem and comes as the AU steps up engagement with Sudan following the government's return to Khartoum earlier this year after clashes with the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Belaiche stated that the meeting was part of the AU Commission's efforts to continue consultations with the Sudanese leadership on developments in the country and complete practical arrangements to reopen the AU liaison office in Khartoum in the coming period.

The discussions focused on prospects for achieving peace and the challenges facing the process. Both parties stressed the importance of intensifying efforts to overcome obstacles to contribute to achieving security and stability. Belaiche reaffirmed the AU Commission's commitment to continuing efforts aimed at de-escalation, which he described as a fundamental step toward reaching a ceasefire.

This initiative is considered a key entry point to addressing the crisis and advancing a comprehensive political process that allows the participation of all parties in both its course and outcomes. Belaiche also reiterated the AU's commitment to prioritizing a political solution and launching an inclusive national dialogue, emphasizing that state-building is based on national reconciliation, acceptance of others, and strengthening peaceful coexistence.

He affirmed the AU's support for Sudan's unity and national sovereignty, as well as the commission's commitment to accompanying political, security, and humanitarian developments until security, stability, peace, and development are achieved for the Sudanese people. The AU had closed its liaison office in Khartoum following the outbreak of war between the army and RSF in April 2023.

Two weeks ago, the AU Commission decided to conduct a rapid political and security assessment as a first step toward reopening the office. This move followed the Sudanese government's resumption of operations from Khartoum in January 2026 and the return of UN agencies to the capital.