By Dr Catherine Faragallah
Sudan is witnessing a catastrophic war between the army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), especially after the latter’s control over the city of Al-Fashir in the west of the country. This war has become one of the world’s largest humanitarian crises. Wars are usually fought between different countries, but what is unprecedented and tragic here is that it is an internal conflict – the sons of one nation fighting one another. It is a disaster in every sense of the word.
Media reports highlight severe violations and acts of violence against women, as well as the suffering of children facing famine, deprivation of education, and a complete collapse of humanitarian conditions. Since the outbreak of the conflict between the army and the RSF in mid-April 2023, more than 40,000 people have been killed, and millions have been displaced. The military now controls the east while the RSF dominates the west, leaving the country at a crossroads.
These developments mark a strategic turning point in the two-year-old war, as Al-Fashir links eastern and western Sudan. There are growing fears that Sudan may head towards actual partition, which could create a more threatening situation along Egypt’s southern border – especially if Hemeti’s forces reach the tri-border area with Egypt. There is also concern about terrorist groups moving into the Sahel region.
Egypt’s active role towards Sudan stems from its historic and pivotal position in the region and the world. Egypt’s diplomacy is guided by principles of peace and stability while respecting the sovereignty of other nations and preserving regional security. This has been clearly demonstrated in Egypt’s stance on the Gaza war – where Cairo moved diplomatically, politically, and even publicly to pressure the international community to stop the war, support the two-state solution along the June 4, 1967 borders, send humanitarian aid, and prevent the displacement of the Palestinian people.
Egypt, under the leadership of President Abdel Fattah El Sisi, has borne great political pressure to prevent the forced displacement of Gaza’s residents, affirming his vision of keeping the Palestinian people on their land and preventing the liquidation of their cause. His efforts culminated in the historic “Peace Summit,” which transformed global opinion and pushed for recognition of the Palestinian state. Egypt also hosted the “Early Recovery and Reconstruction Conference” this month. While some talked about turning Gaza into a Middle Eastern Riviera, President Sisi was focused on rebuilding the Strip and ensuring its people remained on their land.
Similarly, President Sisi has made tireless efforts to support Sudan since the beginning of the conflict, emphasising the need for Sudan’s stability, unity, and territorial integrity, and providing all possible assistance to its people. This was reaffirmed by Dr Badr Abdel-Aati, Minister of Foreign Affairs, who stressed Egypt’s active engagement in regional and international efforts to achieve a ceasefire, alleviate the suffering of the Sudanese people, and preserve Sudan’s sovereignty and unity.
Egypt’s mediation efforts became evident through its role in facilitating dialogue among Sudanese political and civil forces in 2024. These talks led to a document calling for an immediate ceasefire, delivery of humanitarian aid, and the establishment of an inclusive democratic system. Egypt also hosted the “Sudan Neighbouring Countries Summit,” reflecting President Sisi’s commitment to preventing the division of Sudan and protecting its people from further devastation.
Egypt has opened its doors to more than 1.2 million Sudanese refugees – in addition to thousands who have long lived in Egypt – providing them with full access to education, healthcare, and essential services. Cairo continues to exert diplomatic pressure on the international community to favour a political solution to the Sudanese crisis.
Furthermore, Egypt, along with the United States, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates – known as the “Quartet” – worked to establish a humanitarian truce in Sudan, urging both sides to cease hostilities and allow safe delivery of aid. Egypt’s ongoing efforts aim to persuade the Sudanese army to accept the US-proposed three-month ceasefire.
