Egypt has publicly rejected the Rapid Support Forces’ (RSF) recent bid to establish a rival administration in Sudan, voicing strong support for the country’s legitimate institutions and national unity.
The condemnation followed a controversial move by an RSF-dominated coalition that named a rival prime minister and presidential council, sparking concerns that Sudan’s ongoing civil conflict could deepen. The development has also drawn swift disapproval from regional powers, including Saudi Arabia, Djibouti, the Arab League, and the African Union (AU).
Djibouti’s foreign ministry also expressed “categorical rejection” of the RSF’s actions, calling them “a threat to Sudan’s unity” and affirming they do not represent the “true will of its people.” The ministry also reaffirmed its commitment to peace efforts aimed at resolving Sudan’s escalating crisis.
In a phone call with Sudanese State Minister for Foreign Affairs Omer Siddig, Egypt’s Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty reinforced Cairo’s position. According to a statement from Egypt’s foreign ministry, Abdelatty expressed “Egypt’s continued support for Sudan’s sovereignty, its national institutions, and the unity and integrity of its territory.”
He further emphasized that Egypt “rejects any steps that threaten the unity of Sudan.” The discussion also touched on Egypt’s diplomatic role in the International Quartet on Sudan, which includes the United Nations, the African Union, and the Arab League.
Siddig, in response, thanked Egypt for its “support for Sudan’s security and sovereignty,” and separately expressed gratitude to Egypt’s ambassador in Port Sudan, Hani Salah, for Cairo’s advocacy in international diplomatic circles.
AU To Convene On Sudan Membership
In a related development, Sudan’s Prime Minister Kamil Idris stated on Wednesday that Sudan had fulfilled all the requirements for readmission to the African Union and called on the bloc to lift its 2021 suspension. The AU suspended Sudan’s membership following a military coup in October 2021 that dismantled the civilian-led transitional government.
Speaking during a meeting with AU Special Representative Mohamed Belaiche in Port Sudan, Idris stressed that the country’s progress, including the appointment of a civilian prime minister and a technocratic cabinet, warranted reinstatement. He described lifting the suspension as an “acquired right” and called for “impartiality” in handling the matter.
Belaiche confirmed that the AU Peace and Security Council is scheduled to meet on August 4 to deliberate on Sudan’s status. He reiterated the AU’s support for the “legitimate government” of Sudan and its return to full AU membership.
Meanwhile, the Forces of Freedom and Change – Democratic Bloc, a political coalition aligned with the Sudanese army, echoed these sentiments. In a statement, the group welcomed the AU’s “categorical rejection” of the RSF’s proposed “Foundation Government.”
Spokesman Mohamed Zakaria Faraj affirmed the bloc’s stance in defense of national sovereignty, saying they would not “recognize any parallel entity.”
The Democratic Bloc comprises armed groups and political movements loyal to Sudan’s national army, including those led by Minni Arko Minawi and Gibril Ibrahim. The coalition’s position signals growing domestic and international consensus against the RSF’s attempt to legitimize its authority through parallel governance.
Sudan’s internal conflict has continued to devastate the nation since April 2023, when tensions between the army and RSF escalated into full-blown warfare. As both military and diplomatic efforts unfold, the push to restore Sudan’s place in the international community is gaining strength.
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