January 16, (PORT SUDAN) - As a pivotal African Union summit looms, Sudan's military leader, General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, has wrapped up a five-nation tour of West Africa, seeking to rally support and potentially pave the way for lifting the country's suspension from the continental body. The diplomatic push comes against a backdrop of a devastating war, warnings of an impending famine, and shifting battle lines that have seen the Sudanese army regain ground from the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Al-Burhan's visits to Mali, Guinea-Bissau, Sierra Leone, Senegal, and Mauritania – his first foray into West Africa since the conflict erupted last April – mark a significant broadening of Sudan's diplomatic efforts. Previously, his outreach had primarily focused on neighbouring countries. The trip comes nearly three years after Sudan's membership in the African Union was suspended following a military coup in October 2021. While the AU, through its Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace, and Security, Bankole Adeoye, has reiterated its firm stance against military takeovers, there are whispers of a possible thaw in relations with Khartoum. Sources close to the Sudanese government suggest that recent military gains by the army may have created a more favourable environment for dialogue. …

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