Lawrence Korbandy of South Sudan has been appointed the IGAD Special Envoy for Sudan as the regional organisation seeks to broker a deal in the Horn of Africa country.
Announcing the appointment on Tuesday, IGAD Executive Secretary Workneh Gebeyehu said Korbandy has been tasked with a pivotal good offices role, charging him with the responsibility to actively engage, facilitate dialogue, and seek common ground in the Sudan crisis, providing counsel on the path forward.
“Hon. Korbandy brings two decades of expertise in governance, international relations, and diplomacy to this pivotal role.
“His distinguished career spans holding key governmental positions in South Sudan, including serving as the legal advisor to the President of South Sudan and contributing to various governance and legal committees within the government,” Workneh said in the statement.
He added that With a background as a seasoned legal practitioner and diplomat, Korbandy possesses extensive knowledge of the Horn of Africa, the wider IGAD region, and the Middle East, as well as a deep understanding of the workings of international and regional organizations.
“Hon. Korbandy embodies the qualities essential for promoting dialogue and seeking resolutions, including in his own country.
His extensive experience and diplomatic acumen equip him impeccably for the responsibilities entrusted upon him,” Workneh added.
IGAD said the appointment of Korbandy as envoy underscores its commitment to addressing the Sudan crisis through diplomatic channels.
“IGAD remains dedicated to supporting peaceful initiatives aimed at enhancing regional stability and fostering cooperation,” it said in the statement.
IGAD ISSUES
The appointment follows the direction of the of the 41st Extraordinary Summit of the IGAD Assembly and consultation with the Chair of the Assembly, Djibouti.
On December 9, 2023, IGAD Summit tasked the Executive Secretary to present, within the shortest time possible to the IGAD Council of Ministers a candidate(s) for appointment as the IGAD Special Envoy to Sudan, reporting to him.
The envoy was mandated to coordinate and lead IGAD mediation efforts in accordance with the IGAD Roadmap for the Peace Process in Sudan.
This even as the Gen Abdel-Fattah Burhan-led Sudanese junta in January declared it was leaving the regional bloc.
In a statement, Sudan Foreign Ministry said Burhan sent a letter to Djibouti President Ismail Omar Guelleh, who is also the IGAD chairman, informing him of the Sudanese government decision suspending its membership.
The government had announced this week that it was freezing its relations with the bloc in advance of a meeting in Uganda after it invited RSF commander Mohamed Hamdan “Hemedti” Dagalo.
The Burhan faction accused IGAD of “violating Sudan’s sovereignty” and setting a “dangerous precedent”.
On the other hand, Dagalo said Burhan didn’t have powers to unilaterally withdraw from IGAD.
