Shoukry Reiterates Need to Reach Ceasefire in Sudan amid Clashes

During a special ministerial meeting of the African Union in Sudan on Thursday, Egypt's foreign minister Sameh Shoukry emphasized the need to support a ceasefire in Sudan and urged both sides in the ongoing conflict not to escalate.

Shoukry, who participated in the conference virtually, also highlighted the difficult economic conditions that Sudan already faced even before the conflict broke out.

He warned that the current military confrontations and resulting deterioration of infrastructure would significantly exacerbate the situation, according to the Egyptian foreign ministry.

The meeting was attended by foreign ministers and senior officials from neighbouring countries of Sudan in addition to Kenya and Djibouti.

It was also attended by representatives of the permanent Security Council members and African council members, the foreign ministry said.

The meeting also included representatives from several Arab countries and Norway.

The UN Secretary-General, the Secretary-General of the Arab League, the High Representative for Foreign and Security Policy of the European Union, and the Executive Secretary of the IGAD also attended the meeting, stated the foreign ministry.

Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Ahmed Abu-Zeid stated that the meeting aimed to consolidate efforts and promote collective action to end the ongoing military conflict in Sudan.

He added that the foreign minister emphasised the necessity of protecting Sudan’s institutions and preventing their collapse and stressed that official state institutions should not be dealt with on an equal footing with non-state entities.

Shoukry also emphasised Egypt's ongoing efforts to support the return of stability to Sudan, said the foreign ministry.

The participants in the meeting reached a consensus on the importance of working towards a ceasefire in Sudan.

Furthermore, they agreed to spare no effort and to work collectively to achieve that goal, according to the foreign ministry.

The participants also stressed the importance of protecting diplomatic missions and foreign nationals in Sudan and working to open humanitarian corridors for the displaced.

Finally, they stressed the need to immediately resume dialogue and negotiations between the conflicting parties, according to the foreign ministry.