A Disappointing Summit for Sudanese Expectations

The Face of Truth 

Ibrahim Shglawi 

On Monday, the extraordinary Arab-Islamic summit in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, concluded, chaired by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The summit discussed the developments in the Gaza Strip, the escalating military operations in Lebanon in light of the brutal Israeli aggression, and the resulting humanitarian consequences, along with the threat of the conflict expanding into a regional war.

Regarding the situation in the Arab region, the summit made good progress. However, when it came to the situation of the war in Sudan, the summit was described as disappointing for the Sudanese people, as the issue of Sudan was not included among the priorities for discussion and proposed actions. Sudanese people had expected their country’s war, which is being waged by the Rapid Support Forces, to receive attention and solidarity from the Arab and Islamic nations, especially after the widespread violations in the states occupied by the Rapid Support Forces, particularly in Khartoum, Darfur, and the Gezira state, where the number of casualties in the town of Hilaliya and neighboring villages on the day of the summit increased to 350, including women, children, and the elderly, due to the siege imposed by the militia on civilians, in addition to direct gunfire at the population.

However, it seems that the appointment of Sudan’s Foreign Minister, Dr. Ali Youssef Al-Sharif, which coincided with the summit, negatively affected Sudan’s preparation for the ministerial meeting preceding the summit, where it was expected that an agenda related to Sudan would be included to highlight the issue of the war and the suffering of civilians. Therefore, Sudanese people were hoping for solidarity and support from the Arab and Islamic countries regarding the violations committed by the Rapid Support Forces and their impact on regional peace and stability. Despite this disappointing failure, the speech of Sudan’s Sovereign Council Chairman, Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan, was comprehensive, expressing the suffering of the Sudanese people and praising Saudi Arabia’s role in supporting Arab and Islamic causes, as well as its endorsement of the Palestinian cause. He also emphasized the importance of condemning the dangerous practices of the rebellious Rapid Support Forces that aim to destroy the Sudanese state, starve, and displace the Sudanese people in blatant defiance of international humanitarian law and international conventions. He pointed out that the great Sudanese people, with their history and civilization, with the support of their brothers and friends, are capable of reaching safety.

This summit reflects the commitment of the Arab and Islamic countries to search for comprehensive, effective, and sustainable solutions to the region’s crises, alongside strengthening international cooperation to ensure peace and stability. All efforts should be directed toward achieving peace, justice, and fairness for the affected peoples and providing the necessary support for their recovery.

Therefore, it was expected that the summit would achieve real breakthroughs in favor of the Sudanese people, in addition to regional stability and avoiding the escalation of a large-scale regional war. However, it is now crucial for Sudan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs to continue its efforts to inform the world through diplomatic missions about the developments of events in Sudan. This is the most important way to convey Sudan’s voice to the international community, to prevent the flow of arms to the militia from regional and international supporters, and to work on achieving solidarity and cooperation with the Arab and Islamic nations to resolve Sudan’s issues, restore peace, and confront any attempts to deploy international forces.

Additionally, an important aspect of this summit was the second round of meetings and discussions, particularly the crucial meeting between President Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on the sidelines of the summit. The meeting aimed to discuss the course of bilateral relations between Sudan and Saudi Arabia, as well as support for future cooperation between the two countries. Al-Burhan briefed the Saudi Crown Prince on the developments in Sudan, particularly regarding the rebellion of the Rapid Support Forces against the state and its institutions. This rebellion has led to violations and atrocities against civilians, targeting innocent citizens and destroying vital institutions and facilities in the country. The Saudi Crown Prince affirmed Saudi Arabia’s support for Sudan and its unity, security, stability, and territorial integrity. He also expressed Saudi Arabia’s readiness to assist in rebuilding damaged institutions and facilities and supporting the Sudanese people in achieving stability and security.

This meeting highlights the commitment of both leaders to strengthen and deepen the relations between Sudan and Saudi Arabia and support efforts aimed at achieving peace and stability in Sudan. It reflects a true desire to enhance bilateral cooperation and strengthen the partnership between the two countries to achieve mutual interests and support regional stability and development.

Observers believe that the meeting may have discussed the possibility of returning to the Jeddah platform, considering what the Kingdom previously confirmed, namely that both parties must adhere to the agreement reached on May 11 of the previous year. Therefore, from our perspective, it is crucial for the Sudanese government to urgently prioritize its actions and place Sudan’s issue on the international stage, especially in the upcoming summits at any level. It should also continue to take steps to condemn the countries involved in financing the militia and prolonging the war, as well as condemn the parties providing political and media support to justify their crimes against the Sudanese people.

Best wishes for your health and safety.

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