Cairo conference urges immediate end to Sudan war

CAIRO: Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdel Atty has stressed the seriousness of Sudan’s ongoing civil war, which is now in its second year.
His remarks came as Cairo hosted a major conference on Saturday involving Sudan’s political and civil factions to find ways to end the conflict.
The gathering underscores Egypt’s dedication to assisting Sudan in overcoming its crisis and mitigating the severe impacts on its populace and regional stability, particularly affecting Sudan’s neighbors.
During his opening address, the minister emphasized the “catastrophic consequences that necessitate an immediate and lasting cessation of military activities to protect Sudanese national assets and facilitate a coordinated international humanitarian response.”
The goal is a comprehensive political resolution that aligns with the aspirations of the Sudanese people, he added.
Abdel Atty praised the substantial efforts and stances of neighboring countries that have welcomed millions of Sudanese refugees, sharing their limited resources amid harsh economic conditions.
He said Egypt had received thousands of Sudanese, adding that nearly 5 million had been residing there for many years.
The Egyptian government has extended urgent relief, including food, necessities, and medical supplies, to those affected by the conflict within Sudan.
This is alongside continuous development projects like the electric power linkage and the upgrade of the Wadi Halfa port.
The minister reaffirmed Egypt’s commitment to working with all parties to halt the “shedding of Sudanese blood, safeguard the achievements of the Sudanese people, aid in realizing their aspirations, and facilitate the smooth passage of international humanitarian aid through Egyptian territories.”
He insisted that any authentic political solution must originate from a purely Sudanese vision, free from external impositions, facilitated by international and regional bodies like the African Union, the Arab League, the UN, the EU, and other concerned nations.
Naila Hajjar, senior adviser to the UN secretary-general’s envoy to Sudan, expressed gratitude for Egypt’s diligent efforts to stop the conflict in Sudan.
She said she believes a solution could be achieved through an all-encompassing Sudanese dialogue crucial for establishing a firm peace foundation.
Subsiosa Wandira, deputy chairperson of the African Union Commission on Sudan, stressed the urgency of immediately ceasing hostilities.
She said the meeting in Cairo, driven by the desires of Sudan’s neighbors and friends, aims to bridge differences among Sudanese factions through dialogue.
EU Ambassador to Sudan Aidan O’Hara said he looked forward to collective action to resolve the crisis, stressing the necessity of a ceasefire and preventing further famine and strife.
Commenting on the conference, Ahmed Al-Taib, an expert on African affairs, noted the significance of the Cairo meeting.
He highlighted the readiness of the civil and political factions to participate, showing their recognition of the dire situation in their country and their trust in Cairo’s ability to pressure for consensus toward a political pathway for rebuilding Sudan on new foundations.
According to Sudan News, notable attendees at the conference included Abdullah Hamdok, leader of the Forces of Freedom and Change, Fadlallah Burma Nasser, head of the Umma Party, and representatives from various political parties, professional groups, civil society, and resistance committees.
Various sources, however, confirmed that the Rapid Support Forces did not participate in the conference.