Turkish President Erdogan has proposed to mediate tensions between Sudan and the UAE during a call with Sudanese military leader, Gen. Abdel-Fattah Burhan. This offer follows Erdogan’s recent successful mediation between Ethiopia and Somalia. The situation in Sudan has escalated since April 2023, leading to a humanitarian crisis affecting millions. Turkey’s diplomatic initiatives aim to promote peace and stability in the region.
In a recent development, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey has extended an offer to mediate ongoing tensions between Sudan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This proposition was made during a telephonic conversation with Sudanese military leader, General Abdel-Fattah Burhan. The Turkish presidential communications office articulated that Turkey’s mediation aims to foster peace and stability in Sudan while ensuring its territorial integrity and sovereignty, along with preventing external interventions. This offer emerges shortly after Erdogan’s successful mediation efforts in a conflict between Ethiopia and Somalia, highlighting Turkey’s growing diplomatic engagement in the region.
The Sudanese government has accused the UAE of supplying arms to a rival paramilitary group, further escalating the conflict that erupted in April 2023 following a power struggle between military factions in the country. In response, the UAE has dismissed these allegations and criticized Sudan’s leadership for its refusal to engage in peace negotiations. The civil unrest has led to a dire humanitarian crisis, displacing over 13 million individuals within Sudan’s borders.
Erdogan’s recent meeting with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud further underscores Turkey’s diplomatic role in East Africa. The discussions culminated in a joint declaration affirming Somalia’s territorial integrity and exploring potential maritime cooperation between Ethiopia and Somaliland. The tension between Ethiopia and Somalia has been on the rise since Ethiopia formalized agreements with Somaliland in early 2023, a move viewed by Somalia as a violation of its sovereignty.
The geopolitical tensions in the Horn of Africa have prompted nations like Turkey to engage more actively in diplomatic mediation. The offer by President Erdogan reflects Turkey’s commitment to constructive involvement in international conflicts, illustrated by its recent initiative to facilitate dialogue between Ethiopia and Somalia. The Sudan-UAE tensions exacerbate an already precarious situation in Sudan, where internal conflict has resulted in significant humanitarian crises and displacement of civilians. By positioning itself as a mediator, Turkey aims to enhance its diplomatic influence while fostering stability in the region.
In conclusion, President Erdogan’s offer to mediate between Sudan and the UAE represents Turkey’s proactive diplomatic stance in addressing regional conflicts. As tensions persist in Sudan and broader issues between Ethiopia and Somalia remain unresolved, Turkey’s involvement underscores the need for collaborative efforts to restore peace and stability in the Horn of Africa. The situation signals a critical juncture for Sudan and highlights the importance of maintaining diplomatic channels to avert further escalation of conflicts.
Original Source: abcnews.go.com
