Why did Burhan visit Egypt just hours after the Sharm El-Sheikh Summit? Are there international developments to stop the war in Sudan, and what role can Egypt play in the upcoming phase to end the crisis and the forthcoming arrangements?
Former Sudanese government official, Dr. Rabie Abdul Ati, says: “Burhan’s visit to Egypt at this time undoubtedly holds many implications, primarily related to the security and safety of both countries due to their geographic proximity as one land with interconnected roots and unified origins. Especially since Sudan is experiencing a war that could extend its flames to bring destruction to both nations, as evidenced by the visible impacts threatening peace and security in the entire region.”
He added in his talk: “It seems the visit is related to the vision of what is called the quartet for the Sudanese crisis, of which Egypt is a part. I do not rule out that the war in Gaza and its accompanying events may relate to discussions aimed at replicating the situation in Sudan, as Egypt understands the directions of the United States and its plans for regional peace according to its agendas, with Sudan being no exception as a targeted center.”
Abdul Ati continued, “The recent developments in Egypt, from the signing of the Gaza peace agreement and the presence of the American president and many world leaders discussing the cessation of wars in the region and the world, might be one of the reasons for Burhan’s visit at this time to coordinate with Egypt, which is one of the quartet countries. Hence, the connection between the events in Gaza and what is intended for Sudan.”
However, the former Sudanese official believes, “The situation in Sudan does not proceed according to the quartet’s desires, and Burhan, regardless of the pressures on him, cannot go against the directions that clearly oppose any quartet move towards peace, which, in truth, is humiliation and a theft of the people’s will.”
Abdul Ati concluded by saying, “There is no calm as the quartet intends with its solutions, as it is a place of rejection and non-acceptance. According to the investigation of Sudanese public opinion, any action leaning towards reinstating the rapid support and its politician allies will escalate the war to worse than it is now, which is a vision for escalating the war, not for establishing peace.”
On the other hand, Dr. Mohamed Mustafa, head of the Arab-African Center for Peace Culture and Democracy in Sudan, says, “The army leadership operates according to a highly advanced political-military strategy, possibly one of the strongest strategies in the world. True, there may be relations between America and some regional countries, but most are economically linked. However, its relationship with Egypt is considered a very strong strategic relationship covering all political, economic, and security aspects.”
He added, “President Trump confirmed the strength of this relationship at the Sharm El-Sheikh Summit, while Egypt and Sudan’s relations are historically strong and inseparable, with the guarantee of these relations being the Nile Valley armies of Sudan and Egypt. Therefore, Egypt will not compromise on the unity and cohesion of the Sudanese army, which is a red line for Egypt.”
Mustafa continued, “I do not think Trump ignores the advice and opinions of President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, nor do I think Trump would take any step towards Sudan without Egypt. Therefore, Burhan’s visit at this time is very important and has a significant impact on the future resolution of the Sudanese crisis.”
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi praised “the strong brotherly relations between Egypt and Sudan,” noting the tangible development in various fields. During his reception of Lieutenant General Abdel Fattah Burhan, El-Sisi affirmed “Egypt’s firm stance towards Sudan,” emphasizing Egypt’s full support for Sudan’s unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, and its categorical rejection of any attempts to threaten its security or undermine its national cohesion or form parallel governance entities to the legitimate Sudanese government.
For his part, Burhan expressed his deep appreciation for the continuous Egyptian support and the efforts of the Egyptian president in this regard, which “embodies the depth of brotherly relations between the two peoples and contributes to Sudan’s efforts to emerge from its current crisis and restore security and stability.”
The Egyptian presidency stated in a statement that “the meeting discussed Sudan and stopping the war and achieving the desired stability, with both presidents expressing hope that the quartet mechanism meeting, to be held in Washington during October, will yield tangible results aimed at stopping the war and resolving the crisis.”
The statement indicated that “the meeting addressed developments in the Nile waters file, with both sides reiterating their categorical rejection of any unilateral actions taken on the Blue Nile, contrary to relevant international law provisions.”
The war that broke out between the rapid support forces in April 2023 has led to tens of thousands of deaths and millions displaced, with the city of El Fasher, the battlefield in Darfur, destroyed due to bombing. The United Nations estimates that children make up about half of the 260,000 civilians trapped in the city, who have been cut off from almost all external aid.
