African Union should do more to resolve Sudan conflict - Former Diplomats.

Some former diplomats and international relations experts have urged the African Union to do more and play a leading role to resolve the power struggle that has gripped Sudan.

Speaking on the Diplomatic Affairs Show on Pan African Television with Harriet Nartey, the diplomats stated that although long-lasting peace and stability are dependent on the warring factions, the AU has a crucial role to play in ensuring the country does not slip into deeper chaos.

Former Representative of the International Organization for Migration, African Union/ECA & IGAD, Josiah Ogina, who was part of the panel said the African Union must play a pivotal role in dousing the flames of instability that have engulfed the country. “We will like to see that the continental body, the African Union plays a more proactive role in this. The African Union should do better by playing a leading role to end this issue”.

Josiah Ogina also appealed to the leaders of Sudan to get to the round table and commit themselves to a lasting solution for their country.

His co-panellist, former UNHCR Permanent Representative, African Union and ECA, Chrysantus Ache agreed on the AU getting into the driving seat to resolve the conflict. He wants other powerful nations and groups drafted in to expedite the peace process. He said “ We call on the UN, the US, Russia, China, European Union to support all efforts that the AU is making for peace to reach Sudan. The Arab League also has a crucial role to play.”

Former Deputy Director of the Ethiopian Administration for Refugees and Returnee Affairs, Ayalew Aweke said there is a looming refugee crisis if the fighting does not stop.

Humanitarian groups are also concerned that the situation could exacerbate because Sudan already hosts refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs) and is a neighbour to other nations also hit by the conflict.

More than 500 people have been reported dead with the true number of casualties believed to be much higher. Although the UK, US, and other countries have evacuated their citizens and some Sudanese nationals, thousands of people remain trapped in the capital, Khartoum where the fighting is intense.

The United Nations Refugee Agency says more than 800,000 may flee the country including Sudanese nationals and thousands of other refugees living temporarily in the country. The conflict that has erupted is a result of a power struggle within the country's military leadership. The clashes are between the regular army and a paramilitary force called the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).