Support for the Sudanese People

Al-Aref Bil-Lah Talaat

The choice of Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, the head of the Sudanese Sovereign Council, of Egypt for his first foreign visit since the onset of the war carries several indications, foremost of which is affirming the close ties that he shares with the Egyptian leadership.

Cairo has effectively become one of the parties working actively to end the conflict in Sudan, preventing it from escalating into a civil war.

Considering the recent Egyptian moves, especially after the summit of the countries neighboring Sudan, which was called by Cairo, and the recent American-Egyptian coordination on the Sudan file, Cairo will be a channel for communication between the army and international parties to find a formula to end the war.

At the same time, Cairo is expected to play an additional role in narrowing the gap between the warring parties, leveraging the relationship and trust that exists between it and the military leadership, especially al-Burhan, to encourage them and alleviate their fears of proceeding with any actions leading to the resolution of the conflict.

With Egyptian mediation and coordination, currently on the agenda, the primary focus at this time, and specifically during this visit, is on aspects related to ending the war more than political issues.

Efforts to end the war and initiate a political dialogue between the conflicting parties in Sudan were at the top of the priorities of al-Burhan's visit to Egypt, reinforcing Cairo's role as a channel for communication between the army and international entities to find a solution that closes the curtain on the crisis.

The meeting reviewed developments in the situation in Sudan and discussed efforts aimed at resolving the crisis in a manner that preserves Sudan's sovereignty, unity, and cohesion and protects the interests of its people. Al-Burhan welcomed the course upon which the first summit was recently convened in Egypt, discussing ways of cooperation and coordination to support the Sudanese people through humanitarian aid and relief.

Sisi reaffirmed Egypt's steadfast position of standing beside Sudan, supporting its security, stability, and the integrity of its territory, especially during the current delicate circumstances, taking into consideration the everlasting ties and mutual strategic interests that bind the two countries.

Al-Burhan praised the sincere and persistent Egyptian support to maintain the peace and stability of Sudan during its historical turning point.

The implications of the Sudanese army commander's visit to Egypt lie in several points confirming the onset of a new phase, after neighboring countries failed to effectively support the Sudanese people and reach a unified vision, due to their conflicting interests.

The visit is a clear indication of Sudan's reopening to the world to enhance its regional and international position, following the war that destroyed the capital and displaced millions of civilians in 5 months.

Sudan still suffers from numerous crises on all fronts at present, due to the war and ongoing conflicts between the rapid support forces and the Sudanese army since mid-April until now.

Despite the intervention of some countries, such as the United States and Saudi Arabia, to reach a strategic solution that peacefully ends these conflicts, attempts by neighboring countries to mediate between the conflicting parties have failed. The commander of the rapid support forces proposed an initiative for reconciliation and ending the numerous disputes in Sudan, calling for the establishment of a new army instead of the current multiplicity.

In addition, it is necessary to establish the principle of justice in the distribution of wealth and opportunities, and to grant citizens the freedom to choose who manages the affairs of the country.

President Sisi affirms support for Sudan's security and the unity and integrity of its territory during his meeting with Burhan, marking Burhan's first visit since the outbreak of war in Sudan. He expressed his deep appreciation for the strong relations between the two countries, and the support of the Egyptian government to the leadership in Sudan.

In addition to the warm reception of Sudanese citizens, especially considering that Egypt holds a prominent and active position in the Arab region and the African continent.

The discussion also touched on exploring ways of cooperation and coordination to provide support to the Sudanese people through material and humanitarian assistance. And sending relief teams until the end of this crisis, where millions of civilians in Sudan are suffering from famine due to a shortage of food resources.

In addition to the spread of diseases and epidemics, and thousands being displaced in the streets without shelter.

Since the outbreak of war in Sudan in mid-April of last year, President Sisi has been involved in intensive communications, both on a regional and international level, in order to find a peaceful solution for Sudan. These efforts resulted in the convening of a summit of countries neighboring Sudan, which was held in Cairo with the aim of resolving the crisis in Sudan.

Egyptian aid towards Sudan has not ceased and there is active trade movement through the crossings connecting the two countries.

There are statistics that confirmed an increase in the volume of trade exchange compared to the same period last year. Despite the negative impact on commercial and economic activity, Egyptian exports have not stopped, and Egyptian products have not ceased to be sold in the markets.

Egyptian products are the safest, which increased the volume of trade exchange between the two countries, which exceeded 800 million dollars, thereby making them strategically important nations for each other.

Since the outbreak of tensions in Sudan, a wave of displacement has occurred and thousands of Sudanese have left their homeland and headed to neighboring countries as a safe haven. The clashes have resulted in the displacement of more than two million displaced persons and refugees, according to a statement issued by the International Organization for Migration in July 2023.

The number of displaced persons reached about 3 million internally and across borders due to the conflict in Sudan, in less than three months, in addition to more than 2.2 million internally displaced persons, about 700 thousand others fled to neighboring countries.

The International Organization for Migration added that most of the displaced in Sudan fled from the Khartoum state (67%) and Darfur (33%), towards the Northern State (16%), Nile River (14%), West Darfur (7%), and White Nile.

The Ministry of Social Solidarity, through the Egyptian Red Crescent Society, in coordination with its Sudanese counterpart and the International Committee of the Red Cross and the Egyptian Embassy in Sudan, is providing all forms of humanitarian, medical, and social relief.

This includes receiving all stranded individuals; completing all financial procedures in the easiest ways, in addition to arranging transportation from the crossing to the city of Aswan and other provinces; providing means of communication through telephone lines and the internet so that the stranded can reassure their families.

The Egyptian Red Crescent is conducting an online campaign targeting students, female students, and Arab communities to raise awareness about safety and occupational health standards.

And receiving complaints from the displaced through the operations room which operates around the clock to provide psychological support, and guiding them to safe ways to exit as approved by the Egyptian state.