Sudan warns AU fact-finding mission over final report transparency

The friction between the Sudanese government and international investigators highlights a deepening divide over how the atrocities of the current civil war are documented. As the African Union (AU) prepares its final findings, officials from the Republic of the Sudan are pushing for a methodology that integrates national mechanisms and ensures all victims are heard, suggesting a concern that the report may otherwise lack the necessary balance or legitimacy.

Sudanese Officials Demand Transparency in Banjul

During recent discussions in Banjul, Sudanese officials emphasized that the transparency of the AU fact-finding mission’s final report is paramount. The government’s representatives urged the mission to expand its scope by interviewing all victims of the conflict and coordinating its efforts with national mechanisms. This demand for coordination indicates a desire by the state to maintain a level of oversight or input into the evidentiary process used by the AU.

The request comes at a sensitive time for the Sudanese state, which is attempting to manage its international image while operating under a military-led administration. By insisting on the inclusion of national mechanisms, the government seeks to ensure that the final report does not rely solely on external testimonies or intelligence, but rather on a process that acknowledges the state’s own internal reporting and legal frameworks.

Systemic Violations by SAF and RSF Forces

The push for transparency occurs against a backdrop of extreme violence. In a joint statement released on April 13, 2026, the UN Independent International Fact-Finding Mission for the Sudan and the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) warned that the conflict is approaching its fourth year with violence reaching deeply alarming levels across the country.

The investigations concluded that both the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), along with their respective allies, are responsible for grave violations of international humanitarian law. These violations include killings, torture, and arbitrary detention. The missions specifically highlighted the use of indiscriminate attacks, including airstrikes, shelling, and drone attacks in populated areas.

The human cost has been staggering. Since the outbreak of hostilities in mid-April 2023, tens of thousands of civilians and persons hors de combat are believed to have been killed. The joint statement described the conflict as being marked by systematic brutality and a flagrant disregard for the most basic norms of international law.

Beyond direct combat, the missions reported that civilian objects indispensable to survival, such as food markets and medical facilities, have been targeted. This has exacerbated a catastrophic humanitarian crisis, further complicated by repeated attacks on humanitarian convoys attempting to deliver basic assistance.

The UN and ACHPR-AU Accountability Framework

The dual effort by the UN and the ACHPR-AU represents a coordinated international attempt to build a legal record of the war. On the third anniversary of the conflict in April 2026, the missions reaffirmed their commitment to documenting violations and amplifying the voices of survivors. Their primary objective is to contribute to efforts aimed at ensuring accountability and the restoration of peace and justice for the Sudanese people.

The tension in Banjul reveals the difficulty of this mandate. While the international missions prioritize independent verification and the protection of victims, the Sudanese government’s insistence on coordination suggests a preference for a controlled narrative. The AU mission’s ability to maintain independence while securing the cooperation of the state remains a central challenge in the pursuit of a credible final report.

Governance Under the Transitional Sovereignty Council

The political structure overseeing these developments is a federal republic currently governed by a military junta. The Transitional Sovereignty Council holds primary authority, with President Abdel Fattah al-Burhan at the helm. He is supported by Vice-President Malik Agar and Prime Minister Kamil Idris.

This government operates within a volatile internal environment. The conflict that began in April 2023 has fractured the country’s security apparatus and devastated its infrastructure. With a 2025 population estimate of 51,767,437, the scale of the displacement and death has put immense pressure on the council’s ability to maintain order and provide basic services.

As the AU mission nears the completion of its report, the reaction of the Transitional Sovereignty Council will likely dictate the future of international cooperation in Sudan. If the report is perceived as biased or one-sided, the military leadership may further restrict access for international observers. Conversely, a report that is viewed as transparent and inclusive of all victims could provide a rare foundation for future accountability and peace negotiations.