SUDAN WATCH

Sunday, July 16, 2023

Cairo summit held 13 July drives Sudan's seven neighbours toward unified stance on ending conflict

A high-profile summit held in Cairo on Thursday 13 July that brought together Sudan's seven neighbouring countries reached a comprehensive effort that has the potential to succeed in resolving the deepening conflict in the African country, according to political analysts.

The African leaders agreed on forming a ministerial mechanism comprised of the foreign ministers of Sudan's neighboring states to formulate an executive action plan to end the fight. Its first meeting will take place in Chad. Read more.

Analysis at chinaview.cn - www.news.cn
Source: Xinhua - www.xinhuanet.com
By Marwa Yahya
Editor: huaxia
Published Saturday 15 July 2023; 21:46:15 - here is a full copy:

New Analysis: Cairo summit drives Sudan's neighbors toward unified stance on ending conflict

CAIRO, July 15 (Xinhua) -- A high-profile summit that brought together Sudan's seven neighboring countries reached a comprehensive effort that has the potential to succeed in resolve the deepening conflict in the African country, according to political analysts.

The summit, held in Cairo on Thursday, was attended by leaders of Egypt, Ethiopia, South Sudan, Chad, Eritrea, the Central African Republic and Libya, as well as high-ranked officials from the African Union and the Arab League.

"It is a fresh bid to revive international moves via the mediation of neighboring countries to halt fighting between rival Sudan's military factions that triggered a humanitarian crisis," said Salah Halima, former chairman of the Arab League office in Sudan.

In the communique issued on Thursday, the leaders expressed full respect for Sudan's unity and sovereignty and called for non-intervention in the domestic conflict. They also agreed to facilitate aid delivery through neighboring countries in coordination with international agencies and organizations concerned.

Sudan's military-led Transitional Sovereign Council lauded the communique as constructive toward the restoration of security and stability in the country and expressed willingness to cease military operations when the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) stops attacks on civilians and public facilities and engages in inclusive political dialogue.

The RSF also reiterated support for regional and global efforts to end the war in Sudan and called for combined efforts of relevant parties to reach a comprehensive solution for Sudan as soon as possible.

Sudan has been rocked by violent conflicts since April 15 between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the RSF. The ongoing war in Sudan has left more than 3,000 killed and at least 6,000 injured, according to the Sudanese Health Ministry.

More than 2.8 million people have been displaced, mostly internally, since the conflict broke out in Sudan, according to figures released by the United Nations.

Halima explained that both sides affirmed their readiness to collaborate with regional players to settle the war because the summit's communique in Cairo put a comprehensive plan for a cease-fire away from any foreign intervention.

The timing of the meeting in Cairo was significant given the armed conflict in Sudan's capital Khartoum has extended to the troubled Darfur region and Blue Nile state, raising more concerns about worse deterioration of political, economic, and humanitarian conditions and destruction of many facilities and substructure services, he told Xinhua.

Halima, also vice president of the Egyptian Council for African Affairs and former assistant to the Egyptian Foreign Minister, noted that the ongoing violence in Sudan will not only threaten the unity of Sudan but challenge the security of Sudan's neighboring countries, the African Horn region, and the countries along the Red Sea.

Amany Al-Taweel, chairman of the African program at Ahram Center for Strategic and Political Studies, described the outcome of the Cairo summit as "satisfactory and constructive," because bringing together all Sudan's neighbors, which bear the burdens of the conflict, will unify their positions and pressure the conflicting parties in Sudan to end the war.

"The summit in Cairo was a platform for integrating all regional initiatives into collective efforts without regional competition, which will lead to achieving comprehensive success of all neighbors' endeavors," she said.

View original: http://www.chinaview.cn/africa/20230715/65f81abe5230481d920c94931e417dbc/c.html

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Related reports

Sudan Watch - Sunday 16 July 2023

Communique of Sudan’s Neighbouring States Summit held in Cairo Egypt 13 July 2023

https://sudanwatch.blogspot.com/2023/07/communique-of-sudans-neighbouring.html

Sudan Watch - Saturday 15 July 2023

Arab countries welcome the final communique of Sudan’s Neighbouring States Summit in Egypt

https://sudanwatch.blogspot.com/2023/07/arab-countries-welcome-final-communique.html

Sudan Watch - Sunday 09 July 2023

Communiqué of the 1st Meeting of the IGAD Quartet Group for the Resolution of the Situation in Sudan

https://sudanwatch.blogspot.com/2023/07/communique-of-1st-meeting-of-igad.html

Cartoon by Omar Defallah (Radio Dabanga)

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Communique of Sudan’s Neighbouring States Summit held in Cairo Egypt 13 July 2023

Report from SIS (Egypt State Information Service)
Published Thursday 13 July 2023; 07:41 PM - here is a full copy:

Communique of Sudan’s Neighboring States Summit

Upon the invitation of H.E. Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, President of the Arab Republic of Egypt, the heads of state and governments of the Central African Republic, Chad, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Libya and South Sudan, with the presence of the Chairman of the African Union Commission and the Secretary General of the League of Arab States, met in Cairo on July 13, 2023 to attend the “Sudan’s Neighboring States Summit”. They discussed various aspects of the situation in Sudan and deliberated on possible solutions to end the crisis. The leaders agreed on the following:

1- Expressing their deep concern regarding the ongoing military confrontations and the continuous deterioration of the security and humanitarian situations in Sudan. The leaders called on the parties to the conflict to de-escalate the situation and commit to an immediate and sustainable cease-fire to end the war, and avoiding further loss of innocent civilian Sudanese lives and destruction of property.

2- Affirming their full respect for the sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity of Sudan. The leaders agreed that the current conflict is an internal Sudanese affair, and stressed the need for ending any external interferences in the crisis. Such interferences protract the conflict and obstruct efforts to contain its escalation and reach an agreed settlement that will restore stability and security in Sudan.

3- Reiterating the importance of preserving the Sudanese State and its institutions, and preventing the fragmentation of the country, or descent into chaos that could lead to the spread of terrorism and organized crime, and other serious impacts on the national security of neighboring states and overall regional stability.

4- Stressing the utmost priority of formulating a comprehensive approach to addressing the current crisis and its humanitarian ramifications, including pertaining to those internally displaced and the growing influx of refugees fleeing the conflict to neighboring states, a challenging situation that creates growing pressure on the resources of neighboring states. The leaders called on the international community and donor countries to shoulder their responsibility through upholding pledges made at the “Ministerial-level Pledging Event to Support the Humanitarian Response in Sudan and the Region”, attended by Sudan’s neighboring states on June 19, 2023.

5- Expressing grave concern regarding the deterioration of the humanitarian situation in Sudan, and condemning the repeated attacks on civilians, healthcare facilities and public services outlets. The leaders also called on the international community to step up efforts to provide crucial humanitarian aid, and to address urgent shortages in food and medical supplies in Sudan, as a measure towards alleviating the serious hardships caused by the crisis on innocent civilians.

6- Agreeing to facilitate the entry of humanitarian aid provided to Sudan through the territories of neighboring states, in coordination with relevant international agencies and organizations, and to strongly promote the establishment of safe passage for aid deliveries to the most affected and vulnerable areas. In this context, the leaders urged various Sudanese parties to provide the necessary protection for humanitarian assistance and personnel and to facilitate their mission in delivering assistance to those in need.

7- Emphasizing the pressing need for a political solution to stop the ongoing conflict. To this end, the leaders called for an inclusive and comprehensive national dialogue between Sudanese parties, prioritizing the aspirations and prosperity of the Sudanese people through the restoration of stability and security to the country.

8- Agreeing to form a Ministerial Mechanism comprised of foreign ministers of Sudan’s neighboring states to coordinate common efforts to resolve the current conflict. The Ministerial Mechanism shall hold its first meeting in N’Djamena and will be mandated to take the following measures:

A- Develop an action-plan that includes practical steps towards stopping the fighting and reaching a comprehensive solution to the crisis through direct communication with various Sudanese parties, in complementarity with the existing mechanisms, including the IGAD and AU.

B- Discuss measures required to address the impact of the crisis on the future of Sudan’s stability, unity and territorial integrity, as well as to protect and preserve Sudan’s national institutions. The Ministerial Mechanism shall also discuss steps to contain the negative effects of the crisis on neighboring states, and agree on a delivery mechanism to provide humanitarian aid and relief to the Sudanese people.

C- The Ministerial Mechanism shall present its recommendations to the next Sudan’s Neighboring States Summit.

View original:

https://www.sis.gov.eg/Story/183662/Communique-of-Sudan’s-Neighboring-States-Summit/

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Saturday, July 15, 2023

Sisi heads for Kenya to attend AU mid-year meeting

The 5th Mid-Year Coordination Summit of African Union Bureau of the Assembly will be held in Nairobi, Kenya tomorrow (Sun 16 Jul) in the presence of Egyptian President El-Sisi. Read more.

Report from SIS (Egypt State Information Service) https://www.sis.gov.eg/

Published Saturday 15 July 2023, 12:46 PM - here is a full copy (Update: added 4 photos and text)

Ambassador: Kenya appreciates Egypt's great efforts to solve pending issues in Africa, Sudanese crisis

Egyptian Ambassador in Nairobi Wael Nasreddin Attia said Kenya is appreciating greater efforts exerted by Egypt to solve pending issues in the African continent, with special focus on attempts to find a solution to the crisis in Sudan.

Attia told MENA on Saturday 15/07/2023 on the sidelines of the convocation of the 5th Mid-Year Coordination Summit of African Union Bureau of the Assembly that Kenya is appreciating as well Cairo's calls to Sudan's neighboring countries to discuss ways of stopping bloodshed in Sudan and restore security and stability to the important Arab, African state.

The Summit will be held in the Kenyan capital Nairobi on Sunday, in the presence of President Abdel Fattah El Sisi.

Attia further asserted the utmost keenness of the two states to tap new vistas of cooperation to attain a quantum leap in the level of bilateral ties.

The Egyptian diplomat pointed out to the friendly relations binding Cairo and Nairobi amid rapprochement of viewpoints and joint interests between the two countries and turmoil in regional and international arenas, which, he added require the coordination of all efforts and unity of the African ranks.

He also referred to contacts between President Sisi and the Kenyan president regarding a number of issues of mutual concern, topped by the situation in Sudan and Somalia.

The ambassador said Egypt is always coordinating with all countries concerned with the Sudanese crisis.

Egypt and Kenya enjoy distinguished relations and share interests, he said, adding both countries agree on the way to address climate issues, given Egypt played host to COP27 in Sharm El Sheikh in November.

View original: https://www.sis.gov.eg/Story/183684/Ambassador-Kenya-appreciates-Egypt's-great-efforts-to-solve-pending-issues-in-Africa%2c-Sudanese-crisis

Related reports

Sisi heads to Nairobi to attend AU Mid-Year Coordination Meeting on Sunday

Ahram Online - Saturday 15 July 2023

El-Sisi will deliver a speech presenting Egypt's ambitious two-year roadmap as the current chair of the Steering Committee of the African Development Agency (NEPAD) …African leaders and heads of government will convene in the 5th MYCM under the AU's 2023 theme: “Acceleration of African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Implementation”

https://english.ahram.org.eg/News/504793.aspx

AU mid-year meeting in Nairobi to focus on continental integration and financing
Ahram Online - Wednesday 12 July 2023
https://english.ahram.org.eg/News/504660.aspx

Sisi heads for Kenya to partake at AU’s 5th MYCM
Egypt SIS - Saturday 15 July 2023; 12:53 PM
https://www.sis.gov.eg/Story/183685/Sisi-heads-for-Kenya-to-partake-at-AU%E2%80%99s-5th-MYCM

Egyptian and Eritrean presidents discuss ways to resolve Sudan crisis and end bloodshed
Egypt SIS - Thursday 13 July 2023; 10:22 PM
President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi held a meeting with President of Eritrea Isaias Afwerki in Cairo on the sidelines of their participation at Sudan’s neighbouring countries summit on Thursday, discussing possible resolutions for the crisis and bloodshed in Sudan.
https://sis.gov.eg/Story/183666/Egyptian-and-Eritrean-presidents-discuss-ways-to-resolve-Sudan-crisis-and-end-bloodshed/

UPDATE Sat 15 Jul 2023 23:46 BST

President Sisi arrives in Nairobi, Kenya on Saturday 15 July 2023

President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi addressed a speech to President Ruto, President of Kenya, and the brotherly Kenyan people in the visitor’s record at the outset of his visit to Kenya to participate in the coordination meeting of the African Union and African regional economic groupings:

“I am pleased to extend my sincere appreciation and thanks to His Excellency President William Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya, for his kind hospitality and warm reception”.

I express my happiness to be in the Kenyan capital, Nairobi, wishing my brother, His Excellency President Ruto and the brotherly people of Kenya, further prosperity and progress.”

Objectives of the African Coordination Summit

The African Coordination Meeting was launched in 2019 under the Egyptian chairmanship of the African Union. It was established as part of efforts toward the institutional reform of the Union, the division of labour and tasks between the African Union Commission and regional economic groupings, and the enhancement of the course of regional integration among the continent's countries, particularly with regard to economic integration, the most significant steps of which was launching the African Continental Free Trade Area under the AU’s Egyptian chairmanship in 2019.

President's visit program

President El-Sisi is set to deliver a speech, outlining Egypt's plan in its capacity as current chair of the Steering Committee of Heads of State and Government of the African Development Agency (NEPAD). In his capacity as current chairperson of the United Nations Climate Conference, the President will also address the Environment and Climate Change Session, showcasing Egypt's efforts to address the impacts of climate change on African countries.

President El-Sisi is expected to hold talks with his brother, President of Kenya, William Ruto, to explore mechanisms to enhance bilateral cooperation between the two countries, ways to address the concerns of the African continent, as well as developments in regional issues and dossiers of mutual interest. They will also discuss cooperation to strengthen the frameworks of joint African action in order to push forward the development process and promote integration in the continent.

PHOTOS Courtesy of the Egyptian Presidency

View original:

https://www.sis.gov.eg/Story/183696/President-El-Sisi-visit-to-Kenya-to-participate-in-the-coordination-meeting-of-the-African-Union

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Sudan army to resume Jeddah truce talks with RSF

From Ahram.org

By AFP (Agence France-Presse)

Published Saturday 15 July 2023 - here is a full copy:

Sudan army to resume Jeddah truce talks with RSF: Government source

Sudanese army representatives have returned to Jeddah in Saudi Arabia for talks with their paramilitary foes, a government source said Saturday as the war between rival generals entered its fourth month.

People queue for bread in front of a bakery in Omdurman on July 15, 2023. Since April 15, 2023, the forces the Sudanese army chief have been at war with the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) paramilitary group. AFP

"A delegation of the armed forces has returned to Jeddah to resume negotiations with Rapid Support Forces rebels," the source told AFP, speaking on condition of anonymity because they are not authorised to speak to media.

The RSF has made no comment on returning to the Jeddah talks, which Saudi and US mediators adjourned last month after a series of repeatedly violated ceasefires.

Witnesses in the Sudanese capital Khartoum again reported clashes Saturday after a day of heavy fighting Friday left plumes of black smoke over several parts of the capital.

The war between army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and his former deputy, RSF commander Mohamed Hamdan Daglo, has claimed at least 3,000 lives and displaced more than three million people since it began on April 15.

The delegation in Saudi Arabia signals a return to diplomatic efforts by the army, after it boycotted talks in Addis Ababa last week.

Khartoum's foreign ministry had objected to Kenyan President William Ruto leading a quartet from East African regional bloc IGAD, accusing Nairobi of siding with the RSF.

Before the Jeddah talks were suspended, US mediators had grown increasingly frustrated with both sides' reluctance to work towards a sustained truce.

Experts believe that both Burhan and Daglo have opted for a war of attrition instead, hoping to extract more concessions at the negotiating table later.

Egyptian and Eritrean presidents discuss ways to resolve Sudan crisis and end bloodshed

Leaders of South Sudan, Eritrea, Chad and Ethiopia arrive in Cairo for crucial Sudan summit

View original: https://english.ahram.org.eg/News/504802.aspx

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UPDATE Sun 16 Jul 2023 01:01 BST

Sudan government representatives arrive in Jeddah to resume talks with RSF

Report by MEE and agencies

Published Saturday 15 July 2023, 23:09 BST