Following his appointment, Sudan’s new Foreign Affairs Minister, Ambassador Ali Yousef, met with Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdel Aaty to discuss bilateral relations. Egypt plans to host another forum for Sudanese civil groups to address the ongoing crisis, emphasizing their cultural and security ties. Critics voiced skepticism over Yousef’s priorities, calling for actionable commitments to support Sudanese in Egypt.
Shortly after his appointment, Sudan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Ali Yousef, engaged in discussions with his Egyptian counterpart, Badr Abdel Aaty. This meeting, held in Cairo, was part of the ongoing efforts to strengthen relations between Sudan and Egypt. Abdel Aaty communicated Egypt’s commitment to supporting Sudanese state institutions, emphasizing that Sudanese national security is inherently linked to Egyptian national security. During the conference, Abdel Aaty declared plans for hosting a second forum for Sudanese political and civil society groups to refine a roadmap out of the current Sudanese crisis. Key areas of focus for this roadmap included instituting a ceasefire, preventing arms supplies that threaten civilian safety, and promoting inclusivity in political dialogue. Furthermore, he reiterated Egypt’s intention to aid the Sudanese community amid the ongoing conflict, stating, “Egypt is working with all its efforts and sincerity to stop the bloodshed of the Sudanese.” The discussions also touched on the influx of Sudanese refugees in Egypt, with Yousef noting the support rendered by the Egyptian populace. However, a retired Sudanese ambassador expressed skepticism regarding the new minister’s approach in Cairo, suggesting that customary diplomatic practices should have warranted a visit to Port Sudan to confer with Sudanese authorities prior to engaging in external discussions. Critics pointed out the lack of concrete commitments from Egypt concerning pressing issues faced by Sudanese nationals in the country, including residency and educational rights. The absence of specific solutions for these challenges has led to doubts about the efficacy of Yousef’s diplomatic engagements thus far. Moreover, there were concerns that his prior involvement in the Popular Initiative to Support Sudanese-Egyptian Relations might influence perceptions of his role in negotiations. While the dialogue initiated between the two ministers marks a potentially positive move towards a strengthened partnership, there remain significant questions about the substantive outcomes of these discussions and their implications for Sudanese governance and civilian welfare amid a time of crisis.
The political landscape in Sudan has shifted dramatically in recent years, especially following uprisings and military coups. With ongoing conflict and instability, the role of foreign nations, particularly Egypt, has become increasingly crucial. Egypt’s historical support for Sudanese military forces after key political upheavals shapes the contemporary diplomatic relationship, which now faces challenges exacerbated by recent violence in Sudan. The forum for civil society established in July sought to unify various political factions to address Sudan’s numerous crises and is closely monitored by both Sudanese and Egyptian authorities as a path towards stability.
In conclusion, the meeting between Sudan’s new Foreign Affairs Minister, Ambassador Ali Yousef, and his Egyptian counterpart signifies a vital step towards bolstering Sudanese-Egyptian relations during a tumultuous period for Sudan. Despite expressing solidarity and intentions for cooperation, the lack of specific, actionable commitments raises concerns about the immediate efficacy of such diplomatic efforts. Observers hope for a more structured approach that addresses essential humanitarian and political issues for Sudanese citizens affected by ongoing conflicts.
Original Source: www.dabangasudan.org
