Sudan’s political and humanitarian crisis took another urgent turn as the African Union’s Envoy for the Prevention of Genocide, Adama Dieng, held a critical meeting with Sudanese authorities on Wednesday. The talks took place at the Council of Ministers Hall in Port Sudan, led by Dr. Abdullah Dirif, Sudan’s Minister of Justice and Head of the National Human Rights Mechanism, alongside senior members of the mechanism.
The meeting comes at a time when the United Nations has issued increasingly stark warnings about a growing risk of genocide in Sudan, especially as brutal fighting between rival forces continues to devastate civilian populations. Rights groups and international observers have flagged patterns of ethnic-targeted attacks, mass displacement, and systematic violations that echo early-stage genocide indicators.
Dieng’s engagement signals mounting international pressure on Sudan to strengthen protection mechanisms and ensure accountability. The AU envoy’s mandate focuses on early detection, preventive diplomacy, and advising governments on legal and institutional safeguards against mass atrocities.
Sudan’s National Human Rights Mechanism, still struggling to operate amid fragmentation and insecurity, faces heavy scrutiny from both domestic and international stakeholders. Dr. Dirif reaffirmed the government’s commitment to cooperating with regional bodies and emphasized the need for stronger monitoring, documentation and legal frameworks to prevent further atrocities.
The AU’s direct involvement also reflects concerns that Sudan’s conflict could escalate into a regional catastrophe if early-warning signs are ignored. With millions displaced, widespread hunger, and the collapse of basic services, human rights experts insist that coordinated prevention, not post-crisis intervention, is the only viable path forward.
Dieng urged Sudanese authorities to prioritize civilian protection, strengthen local early-warning systems, and allow independent investigations into alleged abuses. The AU envoy is expected to continue consultations with civil society groups, humanitarian agencies, and community leaders before submitting a formal assessment to the AU Peace and Security Council.
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