Egypt rejected on Sunday any attempts aimed at establishing a rival government in Sudan, warning that such moves jeopardize the “unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity” of the war-torn country.
Sudan has been engulfed in conflict between the army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) for nearly two years, leading to what the United Nations has described as one of the worst humanitarian crises in recent history.
A week ago, the RSF and its allies signed a charter in Kenya, declaring the formation of a “government of peace and unity” in areas under their control.
In response, Egypt’s foreign ministry issued a statement on Sunday rejecting any attempts that could threaten Sudan’s stability, including the formation of a parallel government. “Egypt expresses its rejection of any attempts that threaten the unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of brotherly Sudan, including the pursuit of forming a parallel Sudanese government,” the statement read.
Cairo further warned that such moves “complicate the situation in Sudan, hinder ongoing efforts to unify political visions, and exacerbate the humanitarian crisis.” It also urged all Sudanese factions to prioritize national interest and engage in an inclusive political process free from external interference.
Last week, Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty reiterated this stance during a press conference with his Sudanese counterpart, Ali Youssef. “Sudan’s territorial integrity is a red line for Egypt,” Abdelatty stated, adding that his country “rejects any calls to establish alternative structures outside the current framework.”
The RSF’s attempt to form a rival government has drawn widespread condemnation. UN Secretary-General António Guterres warned that such actions could “further deepen Sudan’s fragmentation.”
Saudi Arabia, which previously mediated ceasefire negotiations, also opposed the RSF’s move. In a statement carried by the official Saudi Press Agency, Riyadh’s foreign ministry warned against “any step or illegal measure taken outside the framework of official institutions.”
Other Gulf nations echoed similar concerns. Kuwait on Friday rejected “any unlawful actions taken outside the framework of legitimate state institutions,” labeling them as a threat to Sudan’s territorial unity. Qatar also expressed its support for “Sudan’s unity and territorial integrity” during a UN Human Rights Council dialogue.
Meanwhile, the United Arab Emirates, which has faced accusations of supplying weapons to the RSF—claims it has denied—has yet to comment on the development.
As the conflict in Sudan continues, Egypt remains firm in its stance, urging Sudanese leaders to focus on national reconciliation and avoid steps that could further destabilize the region.