Sudan's Foreign Minister Praises Türkiye for Its Generous Support Amid Ongoing Conflict

Sudan's Foreign Minister, Ali Youssef, has praised Türkiye for its unwavering support of Sudan amidst the ongoing conflict in the African nation. Since April 2023, Sudan has been engulfed in violent clashes between the army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), primarily over issues of military reform and integration. The conflict has resulted in over 20,000 deaths, displaced millions, and left more than 25 million people in urgent need of humanitarian assistance, according to the United Nations.

In an interview with Anadolu Agency, Youssef highlighted the "trustworthy and historical" ties between Sudan and Türkiye, emphasizing that these relations have strengthened communication between the two nations over the centuries.

He commended Türkiye's support, stating: "Under the leadership of President (Recep Tayyip) Erdogan, Türkiye has shown a generous and positive stance towards the people and state of Sudan during the war." Youssef also expressed optimism about Erdogan’s proposal to mediate between Sudan and the UAE, referring to Erdogan as a "wise and experienced leader." He cited Erdogan's successful mediation between Ethiopia and Somalia as a hopeful precedent.

Youssef noted that the RSF had failed to comply with the terms of the "Jeddah Declaration," an agreement signed in May 2023. He also addressed the severe impact of the conflict, calling it an unprecedented violation of the Sudanese people's rights.

"The people of Sudan are subjected to unprecedented violations in its history. No one in the world has been subjected to what the Sudanese people have endured," Youssef said, adding that "people’s resistance" had been pivotal in the recent victories of the Sudanese army.

The minister underscored the need for a peaceful resolution to the conflict, proposing two key conditions: the dissolution of all militias to form a unified Sudanese army, and the exclusion of RSF leaders from any political role in a post-conflict government. He emphasized that Sudan’s transition to peace must be determined through free and fair elections, where the people will choose their leadership.

Youssef also addressed allegations of foreign involvement in the conflict. He referred to a UN Security Council Experts Committee report, which claimed that the UAE had provided military aid to the RSF through an airport in Chad. This assertion, according to him, has been corroborated by various U.S. and Western institutions.

Regarding Sudan's foreign relations, Youssef highlighted the country’s "clear and good" ties with Russia. He pointed out that Russia had vetoed a British draft resolution against Sudan at the United Nations, delivering a significant message to Western powers. He argued that this challenged the ability of Western nations to impose their will on Sudan and other countries.

Youssef criticized the stance of the U.S. and EU countries, stating that they view the war in Sudan as a mere conflict between two parties or two generals. "This means they fail to see what is happening as a war against the current legitimacy in Sudan. This is fraud and a double standard," he asserted.