In an exclusive interview with CNN anchor and correspondent Christina Macfarlane, Egypt Foreign Minister, Sameh Shoukry discusses the ceasefire on the Sudan conflict negotiated by Egypt and the leaders on both sides in Sudan agreeing to a temporary ceasefire.
Key quotes from Egypt Foreign Minister, Sameh Shoukry:
On whether the ceasefire is expected to hold and Egypt’s role in mediating the current situation
“Egypt has been in direct communications with both parties, encouraging for restraint, for cessation of military activity and the return to dialogue.
We have been in contact constantly around the hour, advocating for a ceasefire. And we hope that this agreement where both sides will have 24-hour cessation of hostilities will hold and will open further doors of communication that can lead to a renewed peaceful dialogue to resolve the situation.”
On Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, strongly support Sudan’s army and the position it puts Egypt to negotiate
“Our relations with Sudan have been a traditional and historic relationship with all of the various political entities in Sudan. At the same time, I think the president was very clear yesterday when he made the statement about the nature of this conflict, which is an internal one.
Thereby we maintain impartiality and total commitment to the best conditions for the Sudanese people. And certainly, the escalating violence and the impact, both on military and civilian casualties, is something of great concern to us.
Again, it is the best interests of Sudan and its population that drives us. And we continue to do so with the best of our abilities.”
Egypt’s assessment of the situation on the ground currently and whether either side appear to have the upper hand
“Well, that is an issue for the military to evaluate. We are monitoring, to the best of our abilities, within the degree of fluidity and conflicting reports.
But again what we highlighted the importance of a ceasefire and maintaining the best interests of the Sudanese people, avoiding further casualties and opening dialogue for a peaceful settlement of this dispute and, again, indicating its internal nature and the need for all foreign interests and influence to restrain itself and not to further aggravate the situation.”
On any international actors supporting or backing the RSF:
“I believe that we have to be cautious. And I think all of the international community and the statements that have been issued by various — by the secretary general and others have all indicated the importance that the international community takes steps to restraint and not to escalate the situation.
And certainly its internal nature should lead us to deal with the Sudanese components and to refrain from any active involvement from external forces or interests.”
On which point Egypt will be moved to get involved militarily in the situation
“I think we have to concentrate at this stage and trying to encourage for a peaceful dialogue for an end to the conflict. And we must concentrate our efforts. And we do so in conjuncture and through our communications with the various neighboring countries and also those who have influence in the United States.
Our European friends, the European Union, all those who can play an active role in advising, in communicating the importance of reaching a peaceful solution to this crisis.”
On Egyptian soldiers currently in RSF custody:
“We will refrain from particulars. But I can tell you that we are in communications related to the safety of those personnel. Egypt has many active participants in the various capacity building and in Sudanese life, whether it’s an educational presence or a presence in the irrigation and agricultural field.
And we are keeping a close watch on the best — on the current situation and how it is affecting all Egyptian citizens on Sudanese territories.”
