Sudan’s political crisis has returned to the centre of regional diplomacy after the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) renewed its call for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire.

In a communiqué following its September 15 Council of Ministers meeting in Djibouti, IGAD called for the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure and demanded safe, rapid and unimpeded humanitarian access.

The regional organisation said a Sudanese-led and Sudanese-owned inclusive dialogue and political process remains the route toward durable peace. It also warned that fragmented mediation efforts should not replace a coordinated peace process.

IGAD called for greater coordination among the African Union, IGAD, United Nations, Arab League and other international partners, linking their diplomatic efforts to a coherent political process.

The bloc also highlighted the scale of Sudan’s humanitarian crisis, saying almost 19.5 million people face crisis levels of hunger and about nine million people remain displaced by the conflict.

The renewed regional position puts ceasefire diplomacy, civilian protection and political dialogue at the centre of current efforts to address Sudan’s war.