Ahmed Kamel – Egypt Daily News
Sudan’s de facto leader, General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, met with Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty in Port Sudan on Tuesday to discuss efforts aimed at restoring peace and stability in the war-torn nation. The talks took place as Sudan’s civil conflict, now in its second year, continues to devastate communities and fragment the country’s political landscape.
According to a statement from Egypt’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the discussions focused on “supporting stability in Sudan” and exploring measures that could “end humanitarian suffering and restore security.” Egypt reiterated its commitment to a political settlement that would halt the fighting and pave the way for a return to civilian-led governance.
Egypt’s Mediation Role
Egypt is a member of the “Quad” group which also includes the United States, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, that has been working to mediate between Sudan’s warring factions. Cairo has maintained close ties with Sudan’s regular army under Burhan and has sought to position itself as a key regional player in any future peace process.
The meeting between Burhan and Abdelatty underscores Egypt’s growing diplomatic engagement in the Sudan crisis, which has deepened amid fears of a full-scale state collapse and the spillover of violence into neighbouring countries.
RSF Seizes Al Fasher
The talks come just weeks after the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) captured the strategic city of Al Fasher, the capital of North Darfur state, on October 26. The fall of Al Fasher marked a significant setback for the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and further consolidated the RSF’s control over much of western and southern Sudan.
In the wake of the RSF’s advance, reports from the Sudanese government, the United Nations, and multiple monitoring organisations documented widespread atrocities, including mass killings, sexual violence, and the forced displacement of civilians. Humanitarian agencies have warned that the humanitarian situation in Darfur has reached catastrophic levels, with tens of thousands fleeing toward Chad and other neighbouring countries.
RSF commander Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo widely known as Hemedti, has acknowledged that his forces committed “violations” during the Al Fasher offensive and has promised an internal investigation. However, human rights observers have cast doubt on the credibility of such probes, pointing to a pattern of abuses committed by RSF units across Darfur since the conflict began.
A Nation Divided
The civil war erupted in April 2023 after a violent power struggle between General Burhan’s Sudanese Armed Forces and the RSF over plans to integrate the paramilitary into the national army , a key step in Sudan’s long-delayed transition to civilian rule. What began as a dispute between former allies has since evolved into one of Africa’s most destructive conflicts in recent years.
Burhan’s forces currently control parts of northern and eastern Sudan, including Port Sudan, which has become the government’s temporary seat of power since Khartoum fell into chaos early in the war. The RSF, meanwhile, dominates vast areas of the country’s west and south, maintaining strongholds in Darfur and Kordofan.
Mounting Humanitarian Crisis
More than 13,000 people have been killed and over nine million displaced since the start of the conflict, according to United Nations estimates. Widespread food insecurity and the collapse of basic infrastructure have left millions dependent on limited humanitarian aid, which continues to face severe access restrictions due to ongoing fighting.
During Tuesday’s talks, General Burhan reportedly reiterated his pledge to “liberate” Sudanese territory from RSF control, while Egyptian officials urged both sides to engage in renewed dialogue under international auspices. Analysts say Cairo’s involvement could help bridge communication channels between regional actors, though mediation efforts have so far failed to bring the warring parties back to the negotiating table.
Looking Ahead
As Sudan’s war enters its twentieth month, the path toward peace remains uncertain. The Port Sudan meeting signals Egypt’s intention to deepen its diplomatic engagement and potentially steer regional mediation efforts. Yet, with violence escalating and millions caught in the crossfire, observers warn that without sustained international pressure and a unified regional strategy, the prospects for a lasting settlement remain remote.
