The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) has issued a strong condemnation of recent drone strikes on Port Sudan, calling the attacks a grave escalation of violence that threatens civilian lives and worsens the already dire humanitarian crisis in Sudan.
In a statement released on Wednesday, IGAD Executive Secretary Dr. Workneh Gebeyehu described the drone attacks on critical infrastructure and civilian zones as “unacceptable” and warned of far-reaching consequences if such assaults continue.
"These attacks on civilian infrastructure are unacceptable and must come to an immediate end," Dr. Workneh said. "Port Sudan has long served as a vital humanitarian and logistical lifeline for millions of Sudanese.
Any assault on this critical hub further compounds human suffering and impedes the delivery of urgently needed assistance."
The strikes come amid a deepening conflict in Sudan, where rival factions of the military and paramilitary forces have been locked in a brutal power struggle since April 2023.
Port Sudan, located along the Red Sea, has become a key stronghold for government functions and humanitarian operations after Khartoum descended into chaos.
IGAD’s rebuke reflects growing regional anxiety about the conflict’s ripple effects across the Horn of Africa, a region already grappling with instability, drought, and displacement.
Humanitarian agencies have warned that attacks on logistical centers like Port Sudan could disrupt food and medical aid delivery across eastern Sudan and neighbouring states.
Dr. Workneh reiterated IGAD’s commitment to a peaceful resolution of the conflict and urged all parties to halt hostilities and return to the negotiating table.
"We urge all parties to cease hostilities without delay and to engage in inclusive, constructive dialogue," he said. "IGAD remains fully engaged with all stakeholders in support of efforts to protect civilians and preserve regional stability."
While the perpetrators of the drone strikes remain unconfirmed, analysts have pointed to the increasingly sophisticated tactics used by armed factions vying for control, raising fears of prolonged conflict and regional spillover.
IGAD, a regional bloc made up of eight East African nations, has been involved in mediation efforts in Sudan and other conflict zones. This latest condemnation signals the bloc's intention to play a more assertive diplomatic role as Sudan teeters on the edge of collapse.
As the situation unfolds, international calls for an immediate ceasefire and unhindered humanitarian access continue to mount.