Can the AU make its current Sudan mission count?

A delegation from the African Union (AU) began a two-day field visit to Sudan on Sunday, seeking to push efforts towards a ceasefire, improve humanitarian access and revive a political process to end the war that has killed tens of thousands and displaced millions in the past three years.The AU Peace and Security Council (PSC) is engaging with Sudanese authorities and other parties in the conflict, addressing humanitarian aid access and prospects for a political settlement. The PSC decided earlier this year to undertake the mission to contribute to efforts towards lasting peace and stability.The delegation arrives at a difficult point in the war. The Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) have regained control of much of the capital, Khartoum while the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) remain entrenched across much of Darfur in western Sudan. Kordofan, the region linking central, western and southern parts of the country, has become another major theatre for fighting.The SAF’s gains around the capital have changed the military balance, but neither side has achieved a decisive victory. That leaves the AU trying to advance diplomacy while both forces still believe they can improve their positions on t...