Egypt’s new FM calls for immediate cessation of military operations in Sudan

CAIRO – 6 July 2024: Egypt’s new Minister of Foreign Affairs, Badr Abdel-Aty, emphasized the gravity of the ongoing Sudanese crisis, now spanning over a year, and its catastrophic consequences, calling for an immediate and sustained cessation of military operations.

Abdel-Aty made these remarks during the inauguration of the Sudanese Political and Civil Forces Conference in the New Administrative Capital of Cairo on Saturday.

The Minister commended the significant efforts and humanitarian solidarity demonstrated by Sudan’s neighboring countries, which have generously hosted millions of Sudanese refugees and shared their limited resources amidst challenging economic conditions.

Abdel-Aty also urged all international parties to fulfill their pledges announced at the relief conference in Geneva in June 2023, as well as at the international conference in Paris in mid-April 2024 aimed at supporting Sudan and its neighboring countries. These efforts are crucial to bridge the existing financing gap, which currently stands at approximately 75% of the total required funds.

 

Abdel-Aty further highlighted Egypt's intensified efforts in engaging with multilateral humanitarian organizations to provide support to the neighboring countries most affected by the crisis's repercussions.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs emphasized that Egypt remains committed to working with all parties to halt the loss of Sudanese lives, safeguard the achievements of the Sudanese people, support their aspirations, and facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid from donor countries to Sudan through Egyptian territory.

Abdel-Aty emphasized that the current conflict is fundamentally a Sudanese issue. He stressed that any future political process should encompass all active national parties within Sudan, while respecting the principles of Sudan’s sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity.

He highlighted the importance of non-interference in Sudan's internal affairs and the preservation of its state and institutions.

Abdel-Aty underscored the crucial role of the Sudanese Armed Forces in safeguarding Sudan and ensuring the safety of its citizens.

 

Egypt’s hosting of this conference marks a continuation of its ongoing efforts to end the conflict in Sudan, Abdel-Aty said.

He further said that these efforts are conducted in close cooperation and coordination with regional and international partners, including Sudan’s neighboring countries, participants in the Jeddah talks, the United Nations, the African Union, the League of Arab States, and the IGAD Organization.

Abdel-Aty expressed his best wishes for success to all participants in their endeavors to harmonize visions and consolidate efforts aimed at guiding Sudan out of its current crisis.

He called upon all involved parties to prioritize Sudan’s national interests, emphasizing Egypt's steadfast support for any initiatives aimed at restoring stability, progress, and prosperity to Sudan.

Cairo hosted this conference to facilitate an inter-Sudanese national dialogue with the participation of relevant regional and international partners. Its primary objective is to foster consensus among Sudanese civil and political forces on strategies for achieving comprehensive and sustainable peace in Sudan. This initiative comes in response to the civil war that erupted in mid-April 2023 between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

Since the conflict's onset, 7.3 million people have been displaced, including 1.8 million women and girls of reproductive age. According to UNFPA Sudan, nearly 25.6 million people are currently facing severe food insecurity (July 4).

On July 13, 2023, Cairo hosted a summit of Sudan's neighboring countries to address solutions for ending the conflict and mitigating its adverse effects on neighboring states. Leaders from Egypt, Chad, Libya, South Sudan, Ethiopia, Eritrea, and Central Africa delivered speeches during the summit, expressing grave concerns over the conflict's regional repercussions.