Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty visited Sudan, delivering support from President El-Sisi to General al-Burhan. The visit aimed at bolstering Sudan-Egypt relations amidst ongoing conflict and addressing the challenges faced by Sudanese refugees in Egypt. Abdelatty pledged Egypt’s assistance and reaffirmed support for Sudan’s reintegration into the African Union. The discussions also touched on the implications of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam.
On December 3, 2024, Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty made a significant diplomatic visit to Sudan, relaying President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi’s message of support to General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, the head of Sudan’s Sovereign Council. This meeting marks the highest-level diplomatic contact since the onset of conflict between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in April. The Egyptian government has consistently provided robust backing to the Sudanese military during this tumultuous period.
During the visit, the Sudanese Sovereign Council highlighted that Al-Burhan received a formal note from El-Sisi aimed at bolstering the bilateral relations between Egypt and Sudan. Sudanese Foreign Minister Ali Youssif underscored the importance of this visit as crucial for stabilizing Sudan amid ongoing conflict. Furthermore, Abdelatty and Al-Burhan engaged in discussions regarding the plight of Sudanese refugees residing in Egypt, with Abdelatty expressing Egypt’s commitment to assist them and ensure support in various sectors.
The discussions also included Egypt’s plans to reinstate Sudan’s membership in the African Union and involved detailed talks between Abdelatty and Youssif about enhancing political, economic, and consular partnerships. They focused especially on facilitating the challenges faced by Sudanese citizens who fled to Egypt, particularly concerning immigration and educational opportunities, as a result of the conflict that has led to the influx of 1.2 million Sudanese refugees since April.
Additionally, the visit occurs against the backdrop of ongoing tensions between Sudan, Egypt, and Ethiopia relating to the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, a subject that Abdelatty reiterated concerns about, especially regarding its implications for downstream nations.
The conflict in Sudan originated from escalating tensions between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) that erupted in April 2024, resulting in severe humanitarian issues, including mass displacement of citizens. The deterioration of security has prompted neighboring countries, particularly Egypt, to intervene diplomatically in an effort to stabilize the region and support Sudanese governance. Egypt has traditionally maintained a close relationship with Sudan, often extending assistance in times of crisis. In recent months, the flow of Sudanese refugees into Egypt has surged, challenging the latter’s immigration policies. Furthermore, ongoing disagreements over the management and effects of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam have added an additional layer of complexity to regional relations.
The visit of Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty to Sudan underscores Egypt’s commitment to supporting its neighbor amid ongoing conflict and humanitarian crises. The discussions aimed at fostering deeper bilateral ties and assisting the flood of Sudanese refugees reflect a proactive approach to regional stability. Egypt’s efforts to address the needs of Sudanese citizens and its advocacy for Sudan’s re-entry into the African Union reveal a strategic initiative to enhance collaboration and mitigate the dire consequences of the present turmoil in Sudan.
Original Source: sudantribune.com
