Egypt’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Egyptian Expatriates Badr Abdelatty chaired Thursday a ministerial session of the African Union (AU) Peace and Security Council (PSC) on the latest developments in Sudan and Somalia.
The meeting was held under Egypt’s presidency of the Council at the AU’s headquarters, as part of Egypt’s ongoing efforts to support Sudan and Somalia both bilaterally and multilaterally, in line with directives of President Abdel Fattah El Sisi.
The get-together was attended by the AU Commission chairperson, the foreign ministers of Djibouti, Somalia, Kenya, Angola, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Nigeria, Eswatini, Sierra Leone, Equatorial Guinea, Ivory Coast, Cameroon, Botswana, as well as representatives from Algeria, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Burundi and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGA ) executive secretary.
The session also saw contributions from the United Nations (UN)’s special representatives for Sudan and the AU.
Abdelatty praised the active role of the Peace and Security Council in monitoring developments in Sudan and Somalia and its continued engagement with regional and international partners.
He reaffirmed Egypt’s full support for African Union efforts as well as its commitment to backing Sudan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The minister condemned militia violations in Sudan and called on the African Union to continue its dialogue with Sudan’s legitimate leadership to help resolve the crisis.
Abdelatty also reiterated Egypt’s efforts to secure a comprehensive humanitarian truce in Sudan leading to a permanent ceasefire and urged delivery of humanitarian aid.
He noted that Egypt is actively working with regional and international players for supporting settlement efforts, adding that Egypt is open for all initiatives that would help Sudan.
Meantime, Abdelatty highlighted Egypt’s hosting of a large number of Sudan-support events , topped by the political and civil Sudanese powers forum in July 2024 and the 5th meeting of the Consultative Mechanism for Coordinating Peace Efforts in Sudan that was held in collaboration with the UN on January 14.
All efforts are meant to prop up Sudan’s unity and security, according to the minister, as he reaffirmed Egypt’s commitment to Sudan’s stability, asserting that Egypt will not waver in supporting Sudan’s sovereignty and integrity of lands.
Regarding Somalia, Abdelatty welcomed progress in the country’s state-building efforts and reiterated Egypt’s steadfast support for Somalia’s unity and territorial integrity.
He also condemned any external attempts to divide Somalia as this would harm the security and stability of the country, the Horn of Africa, the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, saying Egypt categorically rejected any attempt by non-Red Sea littoral countries to exploit the fragile situation in the Horn of Africa to establish a military foothold on its shores.
The minister underlined the importance of working with international partners to mobilize enough and sustainable funding for the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM).
Participating delegations voiced appreciation to Egypt for its leadership and strategic vision, especially under President Sisi, in promoting peace, security and development across Africa.
At the end of the session, the Council adopted statements on the situations in Sudan and Somalia, affirming support for the unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of both countries.
