Arab League calls for ceasefire in Sudan during emergency meeting

The Arab League on Sunday called for a ceasefire in Sudan, expressing concern over the escalating violence and hostilities.

In a final statement issued after an emergency meeting to discuss the recent developments in the country, the Arab League also emphasized the need for a return to peaceful negotiations and to “establish a new phase that fulfills the ambitions of the brotherly Sudanese people and contributes to reinforce political and economic security and stability in this important country.”

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The emergency meeting was called for by Egypt and Saudi Arabia in response to clashes that erupted on Saturday between the Sudanese military and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

The military and RSF have been vying for power as political factions negotiate the formation of a transitional government following a military coup in 2021. Tensions have also risen over the integration of the RSF into the military.

The Arab League statement added it will continue to follow up on the situation and will conduct the necessary calls in this regard.

During a televised speech, Sudan’s representative to the Arab League, Alsadik Omar Abdullah, appealed for Arab support to help calm the situation, while emphasizing that external interference in local affairs should be avoided.

“The Sudanese government has declared it a rebel force to be treated as such,” he said, adding that efforts to mediate the integration of RSF into the Army have failed.

On Saturday, the RSF shared a video claiming to show Egyptian troops who had “surrendered” to them in Merowe. Egypt had said the troops were in Sudan for exercises with their Sudanese counterparts.

Egypt’s representative called for an immediate ceasefire in Sudan, underscoring the strategic and geographical relations between both countries.

Obaida el-Dandarawy, Deputy Permanent Representative of Egypt, said that despite any differences in points of view that may arise at various stages, “there is no doubt” that Egypt’s interests are intertwined with those of Sudan, and vice versa. He also called on the protection of the Egyptian interests in the country.

“Egypt assures its commitment to supporting and [ensuring] stability in Sudan and the unity of its land and it assures the importance to prevent the interference of exterior forces in Sudanese affairs,” the representative said, calling on the warring sides to find common ground and settle differences.

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