Shortly after his appointment, Sudan’s new Foreign Affairs Minister, Ali Yousef, met with Egyptian counterpart Badr Abdel Aaty to discuss cooperation and support for Sudanese state institutions. Egypt plans to host a second forum for Sudanese civil society and political groups, following up on a previous agreement aimed at establishing a roadmap to peace. However, critiques arose regarding the minister’s early focus and responsiveness to pressing issues faced by Sudanese nationals in Egypt.
Ambassador Ali Yousef, newly appointed Sudanese Minister of Foreign Affairs, initiated his official duties by meeting with his Egyptian counterpart, Minister Badr Abdel Aaty, shortly after his recent appointment. This meeting, held in Cairo, underscores Egypt’s supportive role in Sudan’s ongoing political crises. Minister Abdel Aaty emphasized that Egypt fully backs Sudanese state institutions, viewing national security in both countries as interconnected. Furthermore, he announced Egypt’s commitment to host a second forum for Sudanese political and civil society groups, a follow-up to the July conference, emphasizing inclusivity and the necessity of a ceasefire to end violence in Sudan. During the press conference, Minister Abdel Aaty highlighted the importance of fostering strong relations between the two nations, reiterating President Abdel Fattah El Sisi’s directives to bolster these ties. He reiterated that the ongoing conflict in Sudan not only affects Sudan but inevitably impacts Egypt due to the historical and fraternal bonds between the two nations. Minister Yousef mirrored this sentiment, acknowledging the shared identity of the peoples along the Nile Valley and the supportive nature of the Egyptian people towards Sudanese refugees. Despite the positive discourse, a retired Sudanese diplomat expressed skepticism over the effectiveness of Yousef’s approach in Cairo. He pointed out that, traditionally, a new foreign minister should first consult with domestic authorities, such as President El Burhan, before meeting international counterparts. Furthermore, the retired ambassador criticized Yousef’s failure to address critical issues facing Sudanese nationals in Egypt, including residence and study opportunities, suggesting a lack of concrete commitments from Egyptian authorities to resolve these matters. The retired diplomat pointed to the historical support Egypt has offered to Sudanese military forces and worries that the government of Port Sudan might not support further civil society initiatives led by the Egyptian government. In summary, while the meeting between Minister Yousef and Minister Abdel Aaty illustrates a robust diplomatic engagement amidst Sudan’s crises, concerns regarding the Sudanese minister’s initial actions and substantial commitments remain. The long-standing ties between Sudan and Egypt could facilitate a resolution, but concrete steps need to be taken to address the immediate issues faced by the Sudanese people in Egypt, optimizing their diplomatic relations for future cooperation.
The recent appointment of Ambassador Ali Yousef as Sudan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs marks a significant moment in Sudan’s political landscape, particularly due to the ongoing conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces. Egypt has historically played a supportive role in Sudanese affairs, especially in light of the military backing it provided after Sudan’s political upheavals in December 2018 and the coup in October 2021. The relationship between Sudan and Egypt is deeply intertwined, especially with respect to national security and regional stability. As Suadn faces internal challenges, the role of Egypt becomes pivotal in fostering a collaborative environment for resolution through continued dialogue and support for Sudanese state institutions.
In conclusion, Ambassador Ali Yousef’s meeting with his Egyptian counterpart demonstrates a commitment to strengthening diplomatic ties and seeking cooperative solutions amid Sudan’s political instability. However, the skepticism voiced by an experienced diplomat highlights the need for the new Minister to engage more deeply with critical issues facing Sudanese citizens abroad. Moving forward, tangible commitments and actions will be necessary to ensure that Sudan’s relationships are not only symbolic but also address the pressing needs of its populace.
Original Source: www.dabangasudan.org
