U.S. Egypt urge Sudan ceasefire amid worsening humanitarian crisis

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September 18, 2024 (CAIRO) – The United States and Egypt on Wednesday urged an immediate ceasefire in Sudan to halt escalating violence and address a worsening humanitarian crisis.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty, speaking at a joint press conference in Cairo, expressed grave concerns over the recent offensive by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). They warned that continued attacks could unravel recent diplomatic gains aimed at securing peace and stability in Sudan.

Blinken highlighted Egypt’s significant role in addressing what he called “the world’s worst humanitarian crisis,” referring to the conflict in Sudan. He noted that last month’s agreements in Geneva, where a Code of Conduct for RSF fighters was established, are now at risk due to renewed hostilities.

“The RSF must take every step to protect the lives of innocents and respect its commitment to protect civilians,” Blinken said. He also urged the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) to cease indiscriminate bombing.

Blinken further explained that the ongoing violence, particularly the RSF offensive in El Fasher, has led to a surge in casualties and displacement. He called for both sides to return to the negotiating table to implement previous agreements reached in Jeddah.

In a broader international context, Blinken announced that he would convene with global partners at the UN General Assembly in New York next week to align efforts to expand humanitarian access in Sudan and push for an immediate cessation of hostilities.

Egypt rejects comparing Army and RSF

Abdelatty emphasized the importance of distinguishing the Sudanese army, which he referred to as the incarnation of the unity of the state, from the RSF. He stressed that any attempts to equate the SAF with other armed factions would jeopardize Sudan’s sovereignty.

“We have discussed the situation in Sudan and the importance of achieving a ceasefire, along with the urgent need to provide humanitarian aid to all Sudanese people,” Abdelatty said.

“I have talked about the importance of not putting the Sudanese army in the same equation of any other party, and the importance of working on activating the rule of the Sudanese institutions in order for the Sudanese state to maintain the sovereignty of Sudan,” he stressed.

Egypt has also taken in hundreds of thousands of Sudanese refugees since the conflict began, a gesture Blinken praised during the conference, recognizing the generosity of the Egyptian people in hosting their neighbours.

Both officials acknowledged the deep ties between Egypt and the U.S., calling their dialogue timely given the challenging circumstances in the region.