Sudan’s new Foreign Minister Ali Yousef met with Egyptian counterpart Badr Abdel Aaty to discuss cooperation amidst Sudan’s crisis. Egypt emphasized support for Sudanese institutions and announced a second forum for political and civil groups to establish a roadmap for peace. Critics urged more specific commitments to address the challenges facing Sudanese in Egypt. The dialogue underscores the intertwined security concerns of both nations, though calls for local engagement remain vocal.
The recent meeting between Sudan’s newly appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Ali Yousef, and his Egyptian counterpart, Badr Abdel Aaty, has underscored the deepening ties between Sudan and Egypt amidst ongoing strife in Sudan. Following his appointment, Yousef engaged with Abdel Aaty, who highlighted Egypt’s unwavering support for Sudan’s state institutions. The discussions emphasized the critical nature of Sudanese national security as intertwined with Egyptian security, particularly given the humanitarian and geopolitical ramifications of the ongoing conflict in Sudan. Abdel Aaty revealed plans for a second comprehensive forum for Sudanese political and civil society groups in Cairo, furthering initiatives from a previous conference held in July. He articulated three key points for the anticipated roadmap aimed at stabilizing Sudan—a ceasefire, halting external arms supplies, and ensuring the inclusion of diverse political and civil bodies in negotiations. Similarly, Yousef affirmed the collaboration between the two nations, stating, “We are one people in two countries.” Critics, however, raised concerns regarding Yousef’s approach as foreign minister, suggesting he should have prioritized engagements within Sudan, particularly in Port Sudan, before fostering bilateral relations with Egypt. Retired officials argued that a lack of concrete commitments from Egypt during these discussions could hinder progress in addressing significant issues faced by Sudanese residents in Egypt, including legal and social challenges. They noted the importance of specificity in diplomatic engagements to ensure tangible outcomes for both nations. Moreover, Yousef’s longstanding affiliation with initiatives to enhance Sudanese-Egyptian relations and the absence of responses to concerns regarding the proposed civil society forum may signify a disconnect between his ministry and the overarching political landscape. Ultimately, while the engagement signals hopeful resilience in Sudanese-Egyptian foreign relations, calls for actionable commitments and local engagement remain crucial as Sudan navigates its current crises.
The relationship between Sudan and Egypt has historically been complex, marked by cultural ties, shared interests, and geopolitical strategies. The appointment of Ali Yousef as the Sudanese Foreign Affairs Minister comes at a crucial time as Sudan grapples with internal conflict and political instability. Egypt’s significant influence in Sudanese matters and its positioning as a primary ally seeks to stabilize the situation through dialogue and collaboration. The forthcoming civil society forum represents an attempt to include diverse Sudanese voices in formulating pathways for peace and unity.
The interaction between the Sudanese and Egyptian foreign ministers serves as a pivotal moment for Sudan amid ongoing turmoil, marking a commitment to enhance bilateral cooperation and address security concerns. Key issues such as a ceasefire and humanitarian aid are at the forefront, though critics urge for greater concrete steps to ensure that Sudanese interests are prioritized. With the upcoming civil society forum set to play a crucial role, it is essential that both nations work towards actionable commitments to uplift the Sudanese populace effectively.
Original Source: www.dabangasudan.org
