Egypt's Complex Stance on Sudan Amid Ongoing Conflict
Cairo emphasizes support for Sudan's state institutions while facing accusations of military backing for the Sudanese army.
Egypt has repeatedly asserted its commitment to supporting Sudan’s state institutions, stability, unity, and territorial sovereignty, citing historical ties with Sudan.
However, the nature and scope of this support remain ambiguous, particularly following allegations from the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) accusing Cairo of militarily aiding the Sudanese army.
Egypt has officially denied these claims.
Since the outbreak of war in Sudan in April 2023 between the army led by Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and the RSF under the command of Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, also known as 'Hemedti', Egypt has expressed concern over the evolving situation, calling for dialogue.
Cairo has consistently reiterated its commitment to Sudan, promising to support its security and stability.
In recent statements, Hemedti has accused Egypt of direct military involvement, alleging that Egyptian air support has targeted RSF positions, and claiming that Cairo supplied the Sudanese army with military resources, including eight aircraft reportedly piloted by Egyptians and 32 trucks carrying weapons and aviation fuel.
Egypt has previously denied similar accusations.
An Italian institute noted that, despite facing economic pressures, Egypt still wields significant influence in Sudan, grappling with a complex situation rooted in its historical and geographical ties to the country.
Reports have highlighted that Cairo's position has evolved, showing tentative support for the Sudanese army amidst accusations of airstrikes involving Egyptian involvement in Sudan's conflict.
According to former assistant foreign minister Rakhy Ahmed Hassan, Egypt's stance on the Sudanese crisis has remained unchanged, consistently articulated through various official channels expressing support for Sudan’s state institutions and territorial integrity.
Dr. Amani al-Tawil, Director of the Africa Unit at the Al-Ahram Center for Political and Strategic Studies, explained that while Egypt maintains a steadfast position regarding its desire to halt the war in Sudan, its methods of engagement are adaptable based on the altercations on the ground.
The ongoing conflict introduces significant pressures on Egypt, particularly concerning border management, refugee flows, and the implications for security in the Red Sea region, as well as fears of a power vacuum potentially enabling extremist groups.
The nature of Egypt's support has been characterized as encompassing diplomatic efforts to help sustain Sudan's statehood and humanitarian aid to assist with the influx of refugees.
Dr. al-Tawil noted that there may also be forms of 'unseen support' that relate to interactions between military authorities, including previously established military collaborations that may not be publicly disclosed.
Egypt and Sudan have engaged in several joint military exercises, including 'Nile Eagles 1 and 2' in 2020 and 2021 and 'Sword of the Arabs' in 2020, which have reinforced the historical and strategic ties between the two nations.
A report by an international crisis group highlighted Egypt’s pivotal role in the Sudanese crisis and identified it as a crucial ally for the Sudanese army amid competing support for the RSF from other regional factions.
Cairo views Sudan’s stability as critical to its national interests, particularly concerning the Nile basin and the Red Sea.
However, complexities arise from Egypt maintaining relationships with regional actors that may differ in their positions regarding Sudan, leading to skepticism among various stakeholders about the extent of Cairo’s support for the Sudanese army given its broader geopolitical ties.
The involvement of external forces in the conflict complicates the situation in Sudan, which has become increasingly evident in diplomatic circles.
Observers suggest that a resolution may only emerge through negotiation, especially given that both warring factions receive international and regional backing and possess sufficient resources to prolong the conflict.
Critiques of Egypt’s diplomatic approach highlight perceived ambiguity in its position, particularly concerning the Muslim Brotherhood in Sudan, which conflicts with its internal policies.
Additionally, recent restrictions imposed on foreign nationals in Egypt, particularly impacting Sudanese residents, have raised concerns among the Sudanese community following the closure of Sudanese-operated schools in Egypt.
These measures aim to regulate the presence of non-Egyptians due to a rising population that poses challenges for the Egyptian state.
Both the evolving crisis in Sudan and Egypt's involvement raise ongoing questions regarding the effectiveness and clarity of Cairo's policies, which have come under scrutiny from various analysts and sectors of public opinion.
However, the nature and scope of this support remain ambiguous, particularly following allegations from the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) accusing Cairo of militarily aiding the Sudanese army.
Egypt has officially denied these claims.
Since the outbreak of war in Sudan in April 2023 between the army led by Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and the RSF under the command of Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, also known as 'Hemedti', Egypt has expressed concern over the evolving situation, calling for dialogue.
Cairo has consistently reiterated its commitment to Sudan, promising to support its security and stability.
In recent statements, Hemedti has accused Egypt of direct military involvement, alleging that Egyptian air support has targeted RSF positions, and claiming that Cairo supplied the Sudanese army with military resources, including eight aircraft reportedly piloted by Egyptians and 32 trucks carrying weapons and aviation fuel.
Egypt has previously denied similar accusations.
An Italian institute noted that, despite facing economic pressures, Egypt still wields significant influence in Sudan, grappling with a complex situation rooted in its historical and geographical ties to the country.
Reports have highlighted that Cairo's position has evolved, showing tentative support for the Sudanese army amidst accusations of airstrikes involving Egyptian involvement in Sudan's conflict.
According to former assistant foreign minister Rakhy Ahmed Hassan, Egypt's stance on the Sudanese crisis has remained unchanged, consistently articulated through various official channels expressing support for Sudan’s state institutions and territorial integrity.
Dr. Amani al-Tawil, Director of the Africa Unit at the Al-Ahram Center for Political and Strategic Studies, explained that while Egypt maintains a steadfast position regarding its desire to halt the war in Sudan, its methods of engagement are adaptable based on the altercations on the ground.
The ongoing conflict introduces significant pressures on Egypt, particularly concerning border management, refugee flows, and the implications for security in the Red Sea region, as well as fears of a power vacuum potentially enabling extremist groups.
The nature of Egypt's support has been characterized as encompassing diplomatic efforts to help sustain Sudan's statehood and humanitarian aid to assist with the influx of refugees.
Dr. al-Tawil noted that there may also be forms of 'unseen support' that relate to interactions between military authorities, including previously established military collaborations that may not be publicly disclosed.
Egypt and Sudan have engaged in several joint military exercises, including 'Nile Eagles 1 and 2' in 2020 and 2021 and 'Sword of the Arabs' in 2020, which have reinforced the historical and strategic ties between the two nations.
A report by an international crisis group highlighted Egypt’s pivotal role in the Sudanese crisis and identified it as a crucial ally for the Sudanese army amid competing support for the RSF from other regional factions.
Cairo views Sudan’s stability as critical to its national interests, particularly concerning the Nile basin and the Red Sea.
However, complexities arise from Egypt maintaining relationships with regional actors that may differ in their positions regarding Sudan, leading to skepticism among various stakeholders about the extent of Cairo’s support for the Sudanese army given its broader geopolitical ties.
The involvement of external forces in the conflict complicates the situation in Sudan, which has become increasingly evident in diplomatic circles.
Observers suggest that a resolution may only emerge through negotiation, especially given that both warring factions receive international and regional backing and possess sufficient resources to prolong the conflict.
Critiques of Egypt’s diplomatic approach highlight perceived ambiguity in its position, particularly concerning the Muslim Brotherhood in Sudan, which conflicts with its internal policies.
Additionally, recent restrictions imposed on foreign nationals in Egypt, particularly impacting Sudanese residents, have raised concerns among the Sudanese community following the closure of Sudanese-operated schools in Egypt.
These measures aim to regulate the presence of non-Egyptians due to a rising population that poses challenges for the Egyptian state.
Both the evolving crisis in Sudan and Egypt's involvement raise ongoing questions regarding the effectiveness and clarity of Cairo's policies, which have come under scrutiny from various analysts and sectors of public opinion.
