“Parallel Government in Sudan”… What is Egypt’s Position?

Sudan Events – Agencies

The Sudanese political landscape is witnessing a new escalation, deepening the internal political divide as political and civil forces, along with armed movements, move to announce the formation of a “parallel government” in areas controlled by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). This development unfolds amid an internal war that has been ongoing for nearly 22 months.

While the Sudanese government, based in Port Sudan, has condemned this move, and the United Nations has warned of its potential to “worsen the internal crisis,” an Egyptian expert and a former diplomat have stated that “Cairo recognizes the Sudanese Sovereign Council as the internationally recognized official authority and is unlikely to acknowledge any ‘parallel government.'” However, Egypt has not issued an official statement on these developments.

The internal war in Sudan, which erupted in mid-April 2023 between the Sudanese army and the RSF, has led to the displacement of thousands of Sudanese within the country and abroad, including approximately 1.2 million who have fled to Egypt, according to official statistics.

Recently, the Sudanese army has reclaimed several key cities previously held by the RSF, particularly in the capital, Khartoum, and Gezira State. However, this military advance coincides with efforts to form a new “parallel government.”

Sudanese forces have begun consultations to sign a “Political Declaration and a Provisional Constitution for the Parallel Government” in Nairobi, Kenya, on Tuesday, with the participation of RSF representatives, political parties such as the Umma Party and the Democratic Unionist Party (Original), and Sudanese figures, including the leader of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North, Abdelaziz al-Hilu, and former Sovereign Council members Al-Hadi Idris and Al-Tahir Hajar.

In response, Sudan’s Foreign Ministry recalled its ambassador to Kenya for consultations over Nairobi’s hosting of the “parallel government” meetings, pledging on Thursday to take “measures to safeguard Sudan’s security, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.” This came after the Sudanese Sovereign Council announced on Wednesday the formation of a transitional government, to be led by a technocrat unaffiliated with any political faction.

Efforts by Asharq Al-Awsat to obtain official comments from Egyptian authorities on the formation of a “parallel government” in Sudan were unsuccessful. However, Egypt’s most recent stance in support of Sudan was reflected in a joint Egyptian-Spanish statement issued Thursday at the conclusion of Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi’s visit to Madrid. The statement emphasized the “need to respect Sudan’s unity and territorial integrity and to preserve its national institutions.” It also underscored the “importance of launching an inclusive political process led and owned by Sudanese political and civil forces, without external impositions.”

According to Salah Halima, a member of the Egyptian Council for Foreign Affairs, “Egypt recognizes the Sudanese Sovereign Council as the legitimate authority representing Sudan internationally.” He pointed out that “Cairo acknowledges the Sudanese government and receives the head of the Sovereign Council and army chief, Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, as Sudan’s current leader.”

Al-Burhan led Sudan’s delegation to the United Nations General Assembly meetings in New York last September.

Halima ruled out the possibility of Egypt recognizing the formation of a “parallel government.” Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat, he stated that “even though the structure and components of this government are not yet finalized, it lacks international recognition, except from certain regional actors, including Kenya, which is hosting its political declaration meetings.” He stressed that “Cairo supports Sudan’s national institutions.”

Egypt’s Foreign Minister, Badr Abdel Aty, reaffirmed this support during discussions with his Sudanese counterpart, Ali Yusuf Al-Sharif, on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference on February 14. According to Egypt’s Foreign Ministry, Abdel Aty reiterated “Egypt’s unwavering stance in support of Sudan, its national institutions, and all efforts to safeguard its sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity.”

Halima believes the “parallel government” lacks political and popular influence, particularly in contrast to the widespread Sudanese support for the army’s recent victories. He emphasized that “there has been rejection and condemnation of this government from Sudanese political parties and forces.” However, he did not underestimate the risks posed by such an initiative, warning that “establishing a parallel authority would harm Sudan’s unity, further deepen internal divisions, and intensify the power struggle among political factions.”

Former Egyptian Consul to Sudan, Major General Hatem Bashat, stated that “Cairo is closely monitoring the efforts to form a Sudanese parallel government, awaiting further discussions with Sudan’s legitimate government officials.” He noted that “Egypt cannot officially comment on these developments, as they are an internal Sudanese matter,” reaffirming that “Cairo’s position remains consistent in supporting Sudan’s institutions.”

Bashat linked the announcement of a “parallel government” in RSF-controlled areas to the Sudanese army’s recent battlefield successes. Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat, he argued that “the army’s growing dominance on the ground and its imminent full control over Sudanese territory” has driven opponents to seek a role in the post-war power structure.

The United Nations has warned against the RSF’s move to establish a “parallel government.” On Wednesday, UN Secretary-General spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric stated that such a step would “increase division and exacerbate Sudan’s crisis.”

The formation of a “parallel government” contradicts Egypt’s longstanding foreign policy principles regarding Sudan, according to Sudanese political analyst Salah Khalil, who resides in Cairo. Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat, he explained that “Egypt has consistently pushed for an inclusive political process that involves all Sudanese stakeholders without external interference.”

Khalil argued that the establishment of a “parallel government” runs counter to Egypt’s efforts to resolve Sudan’s crisis. These efforts include hosting a conference last year for Sudanese political and civil forces to unite their efforts and develop a roadmap for ending the conflict and halting the war.

In July 2023, Cairo brought together Sudan’s civil factions for the first time at a conference under the slogan “Together to Stop the War.” The event focused on three key issues to resolve Sudan’s crisis: “ending the war, humanitarian relief, and outlining a political vision for the post-war period.”