Aboul Gheit in Port Sudan: Laying the Groundwork for Post-War Reconstruction

Historically, the Arab League’s focus on Sudanese issues has been sporadic and limited under most of its Secretaries-General. However, the current Secretary-General, Ahmed Aboul Gheit, has shown remarkable dedication to Sudan, marked by repeated visits. His first foreign trip after assuming office was to Sudan. Notably, Sudan’s influence during the previous regime of the National Salvation Government resulted in the appointment of a Sudanese Assistant Secretary-General, Ambassador Kamal Hassan Ali, under Aboul Gheit’s leadership, following mutual agreements.

An expert told Sudanese Echo that the most significant contribution the Arab League can make to Sudan at this time is supporting the reconstruction program, expected to commence soon after the ongoing Sudanese war, which is nearing its conclusion due to military actions by the Sudanese Armed Forces.

The Secretary-General’s spokesperson, Jamal Rushdy, stated in a press release that Aboul Gheit’s visit reflects the Arab League’s unwavering solidarity with Sudan during this critical period. It also underscores the League’s consistent commitment to Sudan’s security, stability, unity, and territorial integrity.

Upon arriving in Sudan, Aboul Gheit began discussions with the Sudanese government’s spokesperson and Minister of Information, Khaled Al-Eisaer. During the meeting, Al-Eisaer called for an emergency Arab League summit to address interference by certain member states in Sudanese affairs, particularly pointing at the UAE. He urged the League to adopt measures to curb international involvement in Sudan’s internal matters.

In a statement to the Sudan News Agency following the meeting, Al-Eisaer emphasized that many regional and international organizations had turned their backs on Sudan during its battle against the rebels, including suspending its African Union membership. He commended the Arab League for maintaining its support. He highlighted the need for the League to play a central role in neutralizing external interference through an emergency summit, given Sudan’s close ties to the League.

Al-Eisaer expressed the government’s hope to renew Khartoum’s “Three Nos” through the Arab League by the end of the year: No interference in Sudanese affairs, no aggression against the Sudanese people, and no disintegration of the Sudanese state.

Official discussions were held at Coral Hotel between Sudan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Arab League. Aboul Gheit reaffirmed the League’s steadfast position in supporting Sudan’s sovereignty, unity, and resistance to external interference, while backing its national institutions’ efforts to maintain security. He stressed the League’s commitment to standing with Sudan through its current crisis.

Sudan’s Acting Foreign Minister thanked Aboul Gheit and the League for their strong, clear stance in supporting Sudan during its “national dignity war” against the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), their mercenaries, and regional backers. The minister outlined the government’s immediate priorities, including restoring security across Sudan and continuing humanitarian response efforts. He also urged the League to rally regional and international support for humanitarian aid and reconstruction.

The discussions emphasized the League’s critical role in addressing humanitarian challenges, fostering Arab unity, and advancing joint Arab initiatives, such as food security and human resource development.

Aboul Gheit also met with Sudan’s Transitional Sovereignty Council Chairman and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, General Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan, in the presence of Sudan’s Acting Foreign Minister, Sudan’s Ambassador to Egypt, and Sudan’s Permanent Representative to the Arab League.

Describing the meeting as “very positive,” Aboul Gheit stated that it reaffirmed the Arab League’s support for Sudan and its people. He expressed hope for an immediate end to the conflict, the reconstruction of Sudan, and the return of displaced persons and refugees to their homes. He also highlighted the League’s engagement with international and African organizations to restore peace and stability in Sudan.

Aboul Gheit emphasized that his visit aimed to shed light on the severity of Sudan’s crisis and galvanize efforts to end the conflict and pave the way for reconstruction and stability.

Most of Aboul Gheit’s discussions with Sudanese officials focused on the need to curb UAE interference in Sudanese affairs. According to sources speaking to Sudanese Echo, Sudanese officials believe the war will end once the UAE withdraws its support for the RSF. They also stressed the necessity of the UAE compensating Sudanese citizens and the government for damages caused by its interference. Officials underscored the importance of the UAE funding Sudan’s reconstruction while the Arab League encourages friendly nations to contribute to rebuilding efforts after the war.