CAIRO: Egypt hosted an international conference on Saturday aimed at addressing the prolonged conflict in Sudan, which has endured over a year of devastating warfare.
The Egyptian Foreign Ministry, in a statement, announced the start of the Sudanese Political and Civil Forces Conference in Cairo, inaugurated by Dr. Badr Abdelatty, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Emigration. The conference drew participation from representatives of the United Nations, the African Union, the League of Arab States, the European Union, and key countries deeply involved in the Sudanese crisis.
Addressing the attendees, the Egyptian Foreign Minister underscored the severity of the crisis that has besieged Sudan for more than a year, as reported by the Egyptian Middle East News Agency (MENA). He called for an immediate and sustainable cessation of military operations to safeguard both the Sudanese populace and vital state institutions.
Emphasizing Egypt’s commitment to collaboration with all stakeholders, Abdelatty asserted that any viable political resolution must emanate from Sudanese perspectives, free from external interventions. He stressed the essential role of international and regional organizations in facilitating a genuine political process.
Former Sudanese Prime Minister Abdullah Hamdok, who heads Sudan’s Coordination of Civil and Democratic Forces (Taqaddum), highlighted the critical nature of the conference amid Sudan’s ongoing existential crisis. Hamdok outlined three primary agenda items: halting hostilities, addressing the profound humanitarian crisis—now recognized as the world’s largest—and advancing discussions on the political process and its fundamental principles, MENA reported.
Since mid-April 2023, Sudan’s military and the Rapid Support Forces have been engaged in a conflict that has exacted a heavy toll, with approximately 15,000 lives lost and 8.5 million people displaced, according to the United Nations.
Despite mediation efforts, a sustainable ceasefire remains elusive.
