Egyptian Foreign Minister to UN Radio: What happens in Sudan affects Egypt’s national security

Sudanhorizon – Osman Siddiq – Agencies

Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdel-Aty affirmed that the situation in Sudan directly affects Egypt’s national security. He noted that his country’s authorities have consistently emphasised, in all their communications with global powers, the critical importance of an immediate ceasefire in implementing the outcomes and resolutions of the Jeddah platform and fully delivering humanitarian aid.

Minister Abdel-Aty added that Egypt had supported the opening of the Adré crossing on the Sudan-Chad border, explaining that the crossing is still operational, but this is insufficient. He stressed that an immediate ceasefire is crucial to enable the launch of a political process aimed at building a comprehensive democratic state that includes everyone without exception, offering hope for a peaceful resolution.

In an interview with UN Radio on Saturday, following his speech before the General Debate at the UN General Assembly, monitored by “Sudanhorizon” news outlet, the Egyptian Foreign Minister expressed frustration and anger over the double standards seen in addressing various issues in the region.

He mentioned holding intensive meetings on the Sudanese file with the American, German, and French sides, as well as with all relevant parties, significantly since Egypt is directly affected by the current crisis in Sudan. Since the outbreak of the crisis in April 2023, Egypt has hosted over 1.2 million Sudanese citizens. He emphasized that Egypt insists on dealing with and recognizing the legitimate Sudanese government and fully supporting its institutions, primarily the Sudanese army and the rest of the state’s institutions, underlining the crucial role of international support in this crisis.

Abdel-Aty stressed that equating a militia with a national army that has been established for more than a hundred years is unacceptable. Instead, these institutions must be supported so that the state can fulfil its responsibilities, and the bloodshed of Sudanese citizens can be halted through an immediate ceasefire and the launch of a comprehensive political process, along with full access to humanitarian aid.
During his speech at the UN General Assembly, the Egyptian Foreign Minister also expressed his country’s support for the UN reform project, which aims to grant Africa two permanent seats on the Security Council. He stated, “We cannot accept that Africa and Arab countries still lack permanent representation on the Security Council and do not enjoy the privileges that come with it.”

On another note, the US Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) criticised Washington’s conflicting messages regarding the escalation of the war in Sudan, noting that the White House deliberately ignores the negative roles played by regional countries, contributing to the worst humanitarian crisis in the world.

In the sixth paragraph, titled “Partners in a Stable, Integrated, and Prosperous Middle East and Broader Region,” the CFR statement highlighted leaders’ shared concern and frustration regarding the Sudan crisis. It emphasised that “there can be no military solution” and called for accountability for atrocities and war crimes.

The article’s author pointed out that this all sounds good until one recalls the evidence suggesting that external parties support one of the rivals in the Sudan conflict—namely, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The article argued that the RSF resembles criminal mobs more than a political force and that there is no realistic scenario in which the RSF could govern anything resembling a stable Sudan. The atrocities committed by the RSF, including widespread sexual violence and ethnic cleansing, define their nature as an undisciplined, destructive force.

Despite months of pleas from the African Union and the United Nations, the RSF continues its offensive on El Fasher, the last major population centre in Darfur not under its control.

In another interview published on the UN website, questions about how US African policy might change under a potential Trump or Harris administration based on the 2024 election campaigns were raised. Part of the response noted that candidates were compelled to express positions on Ukraine and Gaza but neglected to address the worst humanitarian crisis in the world—this horrific war in Sudan. The writer suggested that even within the framework of “Is it just a tragedy that doesn’t affect us?” it would be interesting to hear candidates discuss where US interests lie, why there are reasons for concern about Sudan’s collapse, and what happens to some of the international norms meant to protect everyone regarding humanitarian access and other issues. Therefore, the writer wanted to see this deadly, destructive crisis rise to the level of an issue that the US president must respond to.

Observers believe that what is being said in influential American decision-making circles, including organisations and media outlets like the New York Times and the Council on Foreign Relations, will have consequences. The CFR is a think tank and publisher dedicated to being a resource for a better understanding of the world and the foreign policy options facing the United States and other countries.