Egypt’s FM, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs discuss latest developments in Sudan

CAIRO – 15 April 2023: Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Sameh Shoukry received call, on Saturday, from EU High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs Josep Borrell to discuss the latest developments and violence in Sudan between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) paramilitary fighters.

Shoukry has updated the EU official on Egypt’s efforts exerted since the outbreak of the ongoing violence.

The Egyptian Foreign Minister called upon all Sudanese conflicting parties to exercise restraint and put an end to the armed confrontations.

Borrell voiced EU support for Egypt’s efforts, affirming the EU’s keenness to coordinate with Egypt during the coming period to stop the military operations in Sudan and avoid further deterioration in the security situation.

Egypt-UN warn of repercussions

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi received a phone call from United Nation Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, discussing the developments in Sudan, Egyptian Presidency said in a statement.

President Sisi voiced his deep concern about the ongoing clashes in several locations in the center of the Sudanese capital, Khartoum.

President Sisi warned against the negative repercussions of these developments on the stability of Sudan, calling upon the Sudanese parties to resort to dialogue and national consensus.

Antonio Guterres said that he is keen to communicate with President Sisi in light of Egypt’s active and pivotal role in maintaining security and stability in the region, especially with regard to supporting the transitional path in Sudan.

The UN Chief also called upon all Sudanese parties to stop hostilities, restore calm, and start dialogue to resolve the current crisis.

Guterres warned that the escalation of the fighting will have catastrophic impacts on civilians and exacerbate the dire humanitarian situation in Sudan.

‘All Egyptian are safe’

Egypt’s Foreign Ministry is in contact around the clock with the Egyptian embassy in Khartoum to check on the Egyptian community and missions there, saying all Egyptian citizens are safe.

In a tweet, Egyptian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Ahmed Abu Zeid said that the missions from Al-Azhar, the Egyptian Ministry of Irrigation, the National Bank, other Egyptian consulates in Port Sudan and Wadi Halfa, the Egyptian private sector companies, EgyptAir staff and the Middle East News Agency staff are safe.

Egypt has called for its citizens residing in Sudan to stay at home until the situation stabilizes amid ongoing clashes between the army and rebels in the capital, Khartoum.

Egypt’s Embassy in Khartoum asked Egyptian expats in Sudan on Saturday to exercise maximum caution, stay away from areas of tension, reduce unnecessary movements, and stay at home until the situation stabilizes, the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement.

The embassy also affirmed that it is communicating with the Egyptian citizens and students in Sudan to provide all forms of care they require.

Clashes erupted today in several locations in the center of the Sudanese capital between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) paramilitary fighters.

The Sudanese army and the RSF are trading accusations regarding who started the clashes.

The Sudanese army said its Air Forces are also conducting airstrikes against the RSF.

The RSF has claimed to have seized control of the Republican Palace and Khartoum International Airport. However, the army said that it is still in control of all bases and airports across the capital.

In a statement cited by the Sudanese news agency SUNA, the General Command of the Sudanese Armed Forces said it is facing attempts by the rebels to control strategic locations in the capital, affirming that such “sinful endeavors” will fail.

The world has called for a quick ceasefire in Khartoum as the conflict escalates.