Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty visited Sudan, offering support from President El-Sisi to General al-Burhan amid ongoing conflict. The visit, the highest-level diplomatic engagement in months, focused on enhancing bilateral ties, addressing the plight of Sudanese refugees in Egypt, and reinstating Sudan’s African Union membership. Egypt has welcomed 1.2 million refugees since the conflict began, while concerns about the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam were also discussed.
On December 3, 2024, Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty made a significant visit to Sudan, conveying a message of unwavering support from President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi to General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, the head of Sudan’s Sovereign Council. This visit is noteworthy as it represents the highest level of diplomatic interaction between Egypt and Sudan since the onset of the conflict involving the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in April. The Egyptian government has consistently backed the Sudanese military amidst the ongoing conflict, illustrating a strong bilateral relationship.
During the visit, the Sovereign Council released a statement indicating that General al-Burhan received a written message from President El-Sisi that concentrated on enhancing bilateral relations. Sudanese Foreign Minister Ali Youssif remarked that this diplomatic engagement signifies the robust and progressive ties between Egypt and Sudan, stressing its importance as Sudan strives to resolve the ongoing conflict. The discussions included the challenges confronting Sudanese refugees in Egypt, with Minister Abdelatty committing to address these issues.
Furthermore, Minister Abdelatty reaffirmed Egypt’s support for Sudan, emphasizing the need for ongoing collaboration on regional and international matters. He also announced efforts to reinstate Sudan’s membership in the African Union, signifying Egypt’s proactive stance on supporting Sudan’s return to regional stability. The talks between Abdelatty and Youssif led to an agreement to bolster political, economic, and consular cooperation, particularly in alleviating challenges faced by Sudanese citizens who have fled to Egypt amid the turmoil.
Since the conflict’s escalation, Egypt has welcomed approximately 1.2 million Sudanese refugees, with many entering the country illegally due to stringent visa policies. This visit occurs against a backdrop of heightened tensions involving Sudan, Egypt, and Ethiopia regarding the contentious Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, with Minister Abdelatty reiterating Egypt’s significant concerns regarding the dam’s potential impact on downstream nations.
The diplomatic relations between Egypt and Sudan have historically been shaped by geographic proximity and shared regional concerns. The current conflict in Sudan, which began in April 2024, has led to severe humanitarian challenges and a refugee crisis, with millions fleeing into neighboring countries like Egypt. The Egyptian government has expressed a clear commitment to support the Sudanese military, emphasizing the importance of a stable Sudan for regional security. The complexities surrounding the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam have added another layer of tension among Egypt, Sudan, and Ethiopia, as they navigate their respective national interests in the face of potential water scarcity.
The visit of Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty to Sudan underscores the strengthening diplomatic and military ties between the two nations amid a critical humanitarian crisis. With a pledge of support from President El-Sisi, the discussions highlighted key issues such as the challenges faced by Sudanese refugees and the intention to enhance bilateral cooperation. Moreover, the focus on Sudan’s reintegration into the African Union reflects a broader strategy to stabilize the region. This diplomatic engagement is crucial as Sudan continues to grapple with the impacts of conflict and strives for peace and reconstruction.
Original Source: sudantribune.com
