Egypt Hosts Regional Summit in Effort to Mediate Sudan’s Civil War Crisis
In an attempt to prevent the outbreak of civil war and address the deepening humanitarian crisis in Sudan, Egypt is hosting a regional summit on Thursday. This comes as part of a series of international efforts to mediate between Sudan’s warring factions. The fighting, which began in April between Sudan’s army and paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, has spread to the fragile Darfur and Kordofan regions, resulting in the death of over 1,000 civilians and the displacement of 3 million people, according to the United Nations.
The United States and Saudi Arabia had previously negotiated several cease-fires, but talks were suspended due to violations. Ethiopia also hosted a regional East African summit earlier this week, but the Sudanese army boycotted the event, claiming bias from Kenya, the lead sponsor. Given Egypt’s historically close ties with the Sudanese army, it has invited Sudan’s neighbors to the summit in an effort to stave off foreign interference and influence in the ongoing conflict.
The primary objectives of the summit are to achieve a peaceful agreement to halt the fighting and establish a three-month cease-fire. Additionally, the summit aims to open aid pathways through a series of meetings with military and tribal leaders. Previous attempts at cease-fires have been quickly violated, with the United Nations’ special envoy Volker Perthes describing them as opportunities for the warring parties to re-position themselves.
Perthes referred to these mediation attempts as “emergency diplomacy,” highlighting the urgency of the situation. He noted that both sides still believe they can win the war, leading them to accept diplomatic initiatives when they align with their respective aims. The presence of African leaders at the summit, including Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, signifies a collective effort to find a peaceful resolution.
Ethiopia’s involvement is particularly significant as it has clashed with Egypt over its construction of a giant dam on the Blue Nile. However, Prime Minister Ahmed met with Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi on Wednesday, indicating a conciliatory move. Ahmed recently announced that the fourth filling of the dam, scheduled for this summer, would be delayed to ensure Sudan and Egypt receive enough water. This gesture aims to ease tensions between the two countries after years of disagreement.
The regional summit hosted by Egypt is a crucial step towards resolving Sudan’s civil war crisis. By bringing together key stakeholders in the region, Egypt hopes to prevent further foreign interference and influence in the conflict. The proposed three-month cease-fire and aid pathways offer a glimmer of hope for the millions affected by the violence and displacement.
However, it is essential to acknowledge the challenges that lie ahead. Previous cease-fires have been short-lived, and both sides remain determined to achieve victory. The success of this mediation effort will depend on the willingness of the warring parties to prioritize peace over their individual aims.
As the summit unfolds, the international community watches with anticipation, hoping for a breakthrough that will bring an end to the suffering in Sudan. The collective efforts of Egypt, Ethiopia, and other African leaders demonstrate a commitment to finding a peaceful resolution. It is now up to the warring factions to seize this opportunity and work towards a lasting agreement that will pave the way for stability and prosperity in Sudan.