Egypt foreign minister says SAF and RSF 'not in same category'
Abdelatty renews call for ceasefire ahead of New York talks
Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty yesterday referred to the Sudanese military as an institution that should not be compared with the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), the paramilitary attempting to overthrow Sudan’s military regime.
Abdelatty gave brief remarks on the situation in Sudan during a press conference with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Cairo. He said:
“We had a lengthy discussion about the situation in Sudan, the crisis in Sudan, and the importance of a ceasefire and the importance of humanitarian access.”
“Additionally, I spoke about the great importance of not to putting the Sudanese national army in the same category as any other party, working to strengthen the role of Sudanese institutions and the Sudanese state so that it can play its role in preserving the unity of Sudan and the unity of Sudanese lands.”
Abdelatty’s comments reflect Egyptian wariness toward the RSF and fears of potential state collapse in Sudan and a major influx of refugees across Egypt’s southern border, if the paramilitary continues to gain ground against the Sudanese military.
His remarks differ in tone from U.S. and European diplomats, who typically have tried not to legitimize the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF), fearing this could inflame the conflict and encourage the SAF to continue boycotting peace initiatives.
Sudan's military regime has previously boycotted a peace initiative by the East African bloc IGAD and a U.S.-led ceasefire effort in Switzerland. They have complained that mediators have treated them and the RSF as equals.
Notwithstanding Egypt’s rhetorical support for the Egyptian military, its role in the ongoing conflict is sometimes exaggerated. Egypt has given the Sudanese military only limited assistance, such as medical aid for wounded soldiers. Its support has not proven to be militarily significant, and Egypt is pursuing diplomatic avenues to settle the conflict.
High-ranking Egyptian officials, including the intelligence chief and President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, are increasingly engaged in Sudan-related discussions. Last month, Egyptian diplomats participated in the U.S.-Saudi-led "Alps" initiative in Switzerland, which focused on humanitarian issues after the SAF declined to attend.
Blinken criticizes RSF for El Fasher offensive
Speaking alongside the Egyptian foreign minister, the U.S. top diplomat Antony Blinken also delivered remarks on the situation in Sudan. He said:
“Egypt has been instrumental in addressing the conflict in Sudan – the world’s worst humanitarian crisis. Along with our diplomatic partners – Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Switzerland, the African Union, the United Nations, and others – we made progress in Switzerland last month, opening new crossings to allow humanitarian assistance to get to people who need it, and getting the Rapid Support Forces to agree to a Code of Conduct for its fighters.
“That progress, however, is now threatened by a new RSF offensive in El Fasher, already resulting in the deaths and displacement of thousands of vulnerable people.
“The RSF must take every step to protect the lives of innocents and respect its commitment to protect civilians. The Sudanese Armed Forces have to halt indiscriminate bombing. Both must come together and come to the table to agree on implementing agreements that were reached in Jeddah and to stop this brutal war.
“Next week, at the UN General Assembly in New York, I’ll be bringing together our partners to align around the next steps to expand humanitarian access, to protect civilians, and to push for a cessation of hostilities.
“The United States is grateful for Egypt’s continued partnership and leadership in this work, as well, I have to say, for the generosity of the Egyptian people welcoming hundreds of thousands of Sudanese refugees.”
Sudan is currently experiencing seasonal rains, which have limited the mobility of RSF combat vehicles. This has temporarily neutralized the RSF’s principal advantage over the SAF, which is maneuver. As the rains subside next month and dryer weather sets in, the tempo of fighting could increase and reach into new areas.
RSF advisor lashes out at Egypt
Meanwhile, an advisor to the commander of the Rapid Support Forces, Ayoub Osman Nahar, reacted harshly to the Egyptian statement, saying,
“Egypt calls for an immediate ceasefire in Sudan, but at the same time says that the army cannot be equated with any party. Yes, the army cannot be equated with any party because it ignited the April 15 war and seeks to prolong it and expand its scope. It is the most criminal institution against the Sudanese people. It throws explosive barrels on an ethnic basis, burns and buries citizens alive, and destroys infrastructure…”
“Millions of Sudanese came out against it and overthrew it in the December Revolution. An army with such a bloody history, why does Egypt insist on preserving it despite the Sudanese people’s disapproval, and why does it insist on its presence in a political settlement that reproduces it with a new face to draw the features of a new, totalitarian military dictatorial era controlled by elements of the Islamic movement and the defunct National Congress?”
“Egypt must know that the Sudanese people reject the return of the Islamists and the National Congress to power again on the back of the kidnapped army, and will continue the resistance until this criminal gang will be removed from power forever and a state of peace, freedom and justice will be established.”
The RSF were part of the National Congress regime but they claim to be fighting to liberate Sudan from that era of government. After the fall of Omar al-Bashir, the RSF rebranded themselves as proponents of democracy.
