A Special Arab League Envoy to Sudan… Will the Arab League Move Toward a More Effective Role in the Crisis?

Cairo – Sudanhorizon – Sabah Mousa
The appointment by the Secretary-General of the Arab League of Ambassador Zaid Al-Sabban as his personal envoy to Sudan comes at a critical juncture. The country is facing mounting political, security, and humanitarian challenges, creating an urgent need for more effective Arab engagement to support Sudan and preserve its unity and stability—all while the war continues to take its toll on the state and society.

The Objective of the Appointment:
According to a statement from the Arab League Secretary-General, the appointment aims to bolster the League’s efforts to help end the war in Sudan and alleviate the suffering of its people. This involves intensifying contacts with the relevant Sudanese parties, bridging gaps in their perspectives, and helping to create the conditions for an inclusive national dialogue—one that is led and owned by the Sudanese people themselves. This process will be carried out in coordination with regional and international partners, most notably the members of the “Quintet” mechanism. The mandate also includes strengthening the Arab League’s role in addressing the crisis, using diplomatic tools and “good offices,” and maintaining active communication and follow-up to support a political settlement. The ultimate goal is to safeguard Sudan’s sovereignty, unity, and national institutions, while fulfilling the aspirations of its people for security and stability.
Political Implications:
The decision appears to be more than just a routine diplomatic assignment within the framework of the Arab League’s standard operations; it carries significant political weight. It reflects the organization’s keen interest in the unfolding crisis in Sudan and its desire to strengthen direct engagement with Khartoum. The move aims to explore ways to support efforts to end the war and reach a settlement that preserves Sudan’s sovereignty and national institutions. The timing of this step is particularly noteworthy, coming on the heels of a significant visit to Khartoum on October 26 by the Arab League’s Secretary-General, Dr. Nabil Fahmy. His meetings with the Sudanese leadership and various stakeholders involved in the dialogue raise questions as to whether the appointment of a personal envoy signals a shift in the Arab approach—moving from merely monitoring the crisis to becoming more directly involved in efforts toward a resolution.
Furthermore, questions arise regarding the extent to which Al-Sabban—drawing on his extensive experience with the Sudanese dossier dating back to 2004—might be able to bridge the gaps between the various Sudanese factions. There is also the question of whether this initiative could help coordinate Arab efforts with the “Quintet” mechanism (the five-nation group), reconcile the overlapping regional and international initiatives, and ultimately lead to a more effective approach in addressing the crisis.

A Message and Experience:
For his part, Sudan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Mohieddin Salem, remarked that it is clear the Arab League’s Secretary-General has assumed his position with a set of firm convictions and a vision—aiming to restore the Arab League to its rightful standing and the role it ought to play. In an interview with “Sudanhorizon” Salem added that the selection of Al-Sabban—who has been following the Sudanese file since at least 2006, starting with the Abuja talks on Darfur—reflects the accumulated experience of an official who has long served, and continues to serve, as the Director of the Horn of Africa and Sudan Department at the Arab League. Salem noted that this move clearly signals that the League does not wish to be merely one party within the “Quintet” group handling this file; rather, it seeks to take an additional step toward a member state—a country the Secretary-General views as holding special importance. This significance entails both an official responsibility under the Arab League Charter and a moral obligation, especially given the assaults Sudan is facing—attacks that target the nation’s resources and the basic needs of its people, such as water, food, and more. Salem continued, stating that the Secretary-General’s decision to elevate the level of engagement with the Sudanese file carries a message that Khartoum understands, welcomes, and responds to positively. He expressed his own welcome, as well as that of the Sudanese government, regarding this appointment and the new envoy.
He affirmed “We will work with him and the League to ensure the security and stability of Sudan and its people.” He emphasized that Sudan has long relied on the Arab League, which has never let the country down throughout the various stages it has endured. Noting that Sudan is no stranger to crises, he remarked that Dr. Nabil Fahmy possesses a deeper understanding of and a closer proximity to Sudan’s challenges—pointing out that Sudan was the first country Fahmy visited after assuming the role of Egyptian Foreign Minister. He added that this profound understanding, combined with a vision for Sudan within a broader, pan-Arab framework—that of a unified Arab national security—provides Khartoum with hope, noting that this approach to crisis management facilitates a closer alignment between Sudan and the Arab League, paving the way for more realistic, prudent, and sustainable solutions.

A Positive Signal:
For his part, Dr. El-Tijani Sisi, head of the National Movement Forces, explained that his acquaintance with Ambassador Zaid Al-Sabban dates back to 2004, during the Abuja negotiations. Sisi told “Sudanhorizon” that, ever since, Al-Sabban has remained closely engaged with Sudanese affairs and in constant communication with the Sudanese people. In his capacity as a representative of the Arab League, Al-Sabban has participated in numerous discussions concerning Sudan, dedicating his best efforts and insights to providing essential support—particularly regarding security crises. Sisi viewed the appointment of Al-Sabban as a Special Envoy of the Arab League Secretary-General as a positive step toward strengthening the League’s constructive engagement with Sudan. He added that the National Movement Forces welcome this appointment, noting that, based on their meeting with Dr. Nabil Fahmy during his visit to Khartoum last month—attended by his envoy to Sudan—they believe Al-Sabban will succeed in his mission, especially given the respect and appreciation he commands among the Sudanese people.

Elevating Roles:
Meanwhile, Osman Mirghani, official spokesperson for the Dialogue Preparation Committee, affirmed that Al-Sabban possesses deep expertise regarding Sudan and the intricacies of its political landscape. He noted that Al-Sabban maintains ongoing communication with various political factions.
Mirghani stated to “Sudanhorizon ” that the appointment of Al-Sabban as the Arab League’s Special Envoy elevates the role played by the League and its contribution toward facilitating a resolution to the Sudanese crisis—especially given that the League is held in high regard within Sudanese society, and its efforts and initiatives are well-received. He added that Al-Sabban could help foster cooperation between the Arab League and the Committee for Preparing the Sudanese Dialogue, expressing his hope that Sudan would soon see the results of this appointment.

An Excellent Advisor:
Meanwhile, Mohamed Sayed Ahmed “Sir al-Khatim” Al-Jakoumi, head of the Coordination of Civil Forces, stated that Al-Sabban’s appointment followed Dr. Nabil Fahmy’s review of the significant and commendable efforts Al-Sabban had made while serving as the Arab League’s representative within the “Quintet Mechanism” (the Five-Party Mechanism).
Al-Jakoumi highlighted Al-Sabban’s firm and resolute stance, his strict adherence to the consensus reached within the Arab League, and his firm rejection of any engagement with the “Founding Entity” (Tasis).
Al-Jakoumi added to “Sudanhorizon ” that when they met with the Secretary-General of the League, they made this point very clear. They urged him to look favorably upon Al-Sabban, who had consistently and precisely implemented all the League’s requirements, decisions, and directives. Al-Jakoumi noted that Al-Sabban made it a point to avoid any space occupied by the “Tasis” (Founding) group—leaving any venue they entered. He emphasized that Al-Sabban serves as an excellent advisor to the League in Sudan, given his broad acceptance among Sudanese political forces, as well as his prudence, sound judgment, and skillful management.

Al-Jakoumi recounted that he told Fahmy—in the presence of over 40 prominent figures from the Sudanese political landscape, including armed movements, civil society organizations, political parties, alliances, blocs, and traditional native administration leaders—that without Al-Sabban and the consultations held with him regarding Sudanese affairs, they would not have been able to navigate their battles within the “Quintet Mechanism” (the Five-Party Mechanism) with such strength and competence, nor would they have been able to assert the will of the Sudanese forces within it—especially at a time when other components of the mechanism were, according to him, working to bolster the “Sumoud” (Steadfastness) and “Tasis” (Founding) factions.
He further explained that whenever the Sudanese forces found themselves in a dispute with the European Union and presented their perspective directly to the EU, they would agree to shift the matter to the Quintet Mechanism—a strategy proposed by Al-Sabban. Al-Jakoumi noted that Al-Sabban believed the Quintet could not intervene directly in their disputes with the EU; therefore, it was better to direct their communications to the mechanism itself, allowing it to deliberate on the memoranda submitted to it. By adopting this approach—addressing the Quintet Mechanism directly—they were able to leverage one of Al-Sabban’s brilliant strategic insights, which ultimately contributed to fostering genuine unity among the various Sudanese factions. …the African Union, the Arab League, and IGAD—all of whom have come to speak with a single voice and a unified, coherent perspective. He emphasized that this, in his view, serves as an indication that Al-Sabban possesses qualities not found in others. He added that, while his own assessment might be considered biased—given his high regard for Al-Sabban—he views him as a sincere patriot who defends the Arab nation. He recalled the glorious past, specifically the Khartoum Conference and the “Three Nos,” when figures like President Ismail al-Azhari, Sharif Hussein al-Hindi, and Muhammad Ahmed Mahgoub succeeded in bringing King Faisal and President Gamal Abdel Nasser together. That historic reconciliation effectively brought an end to the rift between Egypt and Saudi Arabia at the time. He further noted that Al-Sabban evokes the memory of that generation of giants who served within the Arab League, suggesting that his presence there represents a significant and robust form of support for the Sudanese people.

The Bloc Welcomes the Appointment:
For his part, Dr. Mohamed Zakaria, the official spokesperson for the Democratic Bloc, welcomed the appointment of Al-Sabban as the Arab League Secretary-General’s Special Envoy to Sudan. He pointed out that this move reflects the League’s keen interest in the unfolding crisis in Sudan, as well as its commitment to strengthening its role in efforts to end the war and achieve peace and stability. Zakaria told “Sudanhorizon” that the bloc hopes this appointment will prove to be a valuable asset, leveraging Al-Sabban’s extensive experience with the Sudanese dossier.
He expressed the hope that it would help strengthen the Arab presence and coordinate regional and international efforts. Zakaria emphasized that the Arab League’s success in resolving the Sudanese crisis depends on supporting an inclusive, Sudanese-led and Sudanese-owned dialogue—one that addresses the root causes of the crisis, lays the foundation for a sustainable peace, and facilitates a free democratic transition. He added that the bloc stands ready to cooperate with the new envoy and contribute to serious efforts toward achieving peace, viewing this appointment as the starting point for a more effective Arab role in supporting Sudan and restoring its security and stability.

Recognition of the Issue:
Moataz Al-Fahl, Political Secretary of the Democratic Unionist Party (Original), remarked that the appointment of Al-Sabban as a Special Envoy for the Arab League Secretary-General reflects a genuine recognition of the importance of the Sudanese issue, given his deep awareness and understanding of the situation. Al-Fahl told “sudanhorizon” that this assignment underscores the Arab League’s interest and seriousness in addressing the crisis in Sudan. He added that the envoy would receive full cooperation and a warm welcome from his party. Al-Fahl noted that by appointing Ambassador Zaid Al-Sabban, the Arab League Secretary-General has signaled a commitment to approach the Sudanese file with a wealth of knowledge and a distinct vision. He wished Al-Sabban success in his mission and expressed his appreciation to the Arab “brethren”—represented by the Arab League Secretary-General—for their noble stance toward the Sudanese people, as well as their steadfast support for Sudan’s territorial integrity and sovereignty.

Translating Concern into Action:
Amid the official and political welcome extended to the appointment of Zaid al-Sabban as the Arab League Secretary-General’s Special Envoy to Sudan, attention now turns to the practical outcomes this move might yield. The core question is whether this Arab interest can be translated into a more effective role in supporting the Sudanese dialogue and ending the war—in a manner that preserves Sudan’s unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.
Furthermore, a key challenge lies in the nature of the role the Arab League will undertake through its new envoy: will it serve to complement and support the efforts of the Quintet mechanism, or will this Arab initiative carve out a more independent path in addressing the Sudanese crisis?

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