Cairo summit aims to resolve Sudan’s ongoing conflict and alleviate humanitarian crisis

Egypt has announced plans to organize a summit in Cairo on July 13, aimed at resolving the ongoing armed conflict in Sudan.

The summit will bring together delegations from the Sudanese Army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), who have been at odds for the past 12 weeks, leading to a severe humanitarian crisis.

The United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, expressed deep concern over the conflict, warning of the potential for a full-scale civil war that could destabilize the entire region.

The Cairo summit intends to develop effective mechanisms, in coordination with regional and international efforts, to peacefully resolve the conflict with the involvement of neighboring states.

Egypt, considered a key foreign ally of the Sudanese Army, and the United Arab Emirates, which has close ties with the RSF, have not played a prominent role in previous peace talks.

Talks led by the United States and Saudi Arabia in Jeddah were suspended last month after failed attempts to secure a lasting ceasefire.

In addition to the Cairo summit, Sudanese delegations, including representatives from civilian parties that shared power with the army and the RSF after the overthrow of former President Omar al-Bashir, will engage in exploratory talks in Ethiopia’s capital, Addis Ababa.

Meanwhile, clashes continue to escalate, with reports of violence in El Obeid and areas south of Khartoum.

A recent fighter jet attack in Omdurman resulted in the death of 22 people, drawing condemnation from the UN secretary-general.

The RSF blamed the military for the attack, while the Sudanese Army denied responsibility and accused the RSF of previous bombings in residential areas.

The conflict, which began on April 15, has forced over 2.9 million people from their homes, including approximately 700,000 who have sought refuge in neighboring countries.

According to the International Organization for Migration, Egypt alone has received over 255,000 Sudanese refugees.

The UNHCR confirmed the relocation of 36,423 refugees to camps in Chad by the end of June.

Given the escalating violence and displacement, efforts to find a peaceful resolution to the Sudanese conflict are crucial.

The Cairo summit, along with diplomatic initiatives in Ethiopia and international involvement, aims to bring an end to the conflict and alleviate the suffering of the affected population.