Photos: Sudan civil, political groups convey gratitude to Egypt at conclusion of Cairo conference

CAIRO – 7 July 2024: A conference hosted by Cairo on Saturday, bringing together civil and political groups from Sudan to address the ongoing war, has successfully concluded.

The conference, attended by regional and international partners, aimed to facilitate consensus among Sudanese civil and political forces regarding strategies for achieving comprehensive and sustainable peace in Sudan.

Under the theme "Together to End the War," this initiative was launched in response to the civil war that broke out 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).

Message of gratitude

At the conclusion of the summit, Sudanese political and national forces extended gratitude to President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and the Egyptian people for hosting the conference.

They also voiced appreciation for Egypt’s efforts in support of Sudan and its people amid the ongoing crisis.

 

In his speech during the conference, Egypt’s new Minister of Foreign Affairs Badr Abdel Aty emphasized the catastrophic consequences of the ongoing Sudanese crisis, calling for an immediate and sustained cessation of military operations.

Abdel Aty 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 around 75% of the total required funds, he added.

 

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.