Egyptian Foreign Minister on Why Cairo Declared the Red-lines
Cairo- Sudanhorizon
The Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdel-Aty has spoken about the reason behind Egypt’s strongly worded statement regarding the situation in Sudan, and Cairo’s declaration of red lines, emphasizing the proximity between Egyptian and Sudanese national security.
In statements to Russia Today Arabic on Saturday, the Egyptian Foreign Minister affirmed that Egypt’s position on the situation in Sudan, and Cairo’s commitment to the unity of Sudanese territory and the preservation of Sudanese national institutions, were not something new. However, this time Egypt is declaring it clearly and unequivocally, stressing that Egypt “will not allow any harm to come to Sudan’s national institutions or their collapse.”
Abdel-Aty emphasized Cairo’s commitment to the unity of the Sudanese state and its rejection of any attempts to secede or fragment Sudan, asserting that this matter “is one of Egypt’s red lines that must not be approached, considered, or violated.”
It is to be recalled that the Egyptian presidency issued a strong-worded statement following the visit of Sudanese Sovereign Council Chairman Abdel Fattah al-Burhan to Cairo, outlining “red lines” concerning Sudan’s unity, territorial integrity, and the protection of its national institutions, particularly the army
The statement warned that any infringement upon these institutions would directly undermine Egyptian national security. It affirmed Egypt’s right to take action under the Joint Defense Agreement and international law.
Regarding the reason for Egypt’s focus on the Joint Defense Agreement between Egypt and Sudan, the Egyptian Foreign Minister emphasized that this is clear given the existence of a bilateral agreement for joint defense and international law, which allows states to provide assistance to other states upon request to preserve their unity, territorial integrity, and national institutions. He stressed that Egypt’s message is directed at anyone who might contemplate tampering with Sudan’s security.
The Egyptian Foreign Minister described the Rapid Support Forces’ claims of Egyptian intervention or striking within Sudanese territory targeting the Rapid Support Forces as “pure lies with no basis in reality.” He affirmed that Egypt’s support thus far has been political and diplomatic, as it consistently sides with the nation-state and categorically rejects any parallel entities.
Abdel-Aati affirmed that Egypt is currently working diligently to achieve a humanitarian truce leading to a ceasefire, and that the Sudanese side is prepared to establish safe havens to protect civilians who fled the horrific massacres in El Fasher. He emphasized that Egypt is pushing for a humanitarian truce and is in constant communication with all members of the Quartet (Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and the United States) to facilitate this truce.
He indicated that achieving a humanitarian truce could lead to a permanent ceasefire and the commencement of an all inclusive political process in Sudan, without any external interference, allowing the Sudanese people, in all their diversity, to determine the future of their homeland.
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