Cairo pushes for global roadmap to solve Sudan crisis

The fifth consultative meeting of the international group on Sudan was held in Cairo to discuss ways to end the nearly three-year conflict in the country. 

Representatives from the African Union, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development, the European Union, the United Nations, and the Arab League agreed on the urgent need to stop the fighting, allow humanitarian aid to reach civilians, and reject any attempts to divide Sudan.

Ramtane Lamamra, the UN Secretary-General's Personal Envoy for Sudan, described the fifth round of talks as highly successful.

"Everyone came here to compare their ideas with the others on how to move forward," Lamara said. "I think we can say that we achieved a great deal of consensus on the conditions for peace and the means leading to peace."

In a separate meeting on Wednesday with US Senior Advisor for Arab and African Affairs Massad Boulos, Egypt's president emphasized that Cairo would not tolerate any actions that threaten Sudan's security.

"Egypt will not accept nor allow under any circumstance the collapse of Sudan or the collapse of the National Institutions of Sudan, or the violation of its unity, or the breakaway of any of its territories. These are Red Lines… Egypt will not stay with tied hands. It will not hesitate to take all required measures to protect Sudan," Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty echoed this stance.

Last week, Saudi Arabia publicly accused the United Arab Emirates of meddling in Sudan by supporting the Rapid Support Forces with arms against the Sudanese Armed Forces.

Meanwhile, Egypt now says it has US support to end the crisis in its southern neighbor, after wide discussions between Cairo, Riyadh and Washington.

Political analyst Sara El Shalakany said Egypt is pushing for stronger international involvement because the conflict poses a direct threat to its national security due to the shared border and risks to Red Sea security.

The Arab League launched the consultative meetings on Sudan more than 18 months ago to provide a platform for dialogue and support international peace efforts in the country.

Edited by: Dinah Matengo