African Union Welcomes New 'Sudanese-Sudanese Dialogue' Initiative Amid Civil Society Pushback

August 31, 2026 — The African Union Commission issued a press statement welcoming a proposed 'Sudanese-Sudanese dialogue,' to be held inside Sudan under the supervision of an independent committee of Sudanese elders, and covering civil society, political groups, and broader Sudanese stakeholders. The Commission said the initiative 'reinforces the African Union's roadmap and the Quintet Mechanism track' and emphasized 'genuine Sudanese ownership and leadership' of the process, with objectives including establishing civilian-led governance and a unified national security architecture. The statement follows Burhan's Aug. 15 pledge of temporary immunity for dialogue participants and the AU Peace and Security Council delegation's Aug. 15-16 Khartoum visit, but several civilian and political groups — including the anti-war coalition that rejected Burhan's dialogue offer in Addis Ababa on Aug. 22-23 — have warned that talks absent a ceasefire risk entrenching the warring parties rather than building peace.