Khartoum:Minister of Culture, Information, Antiquities and Tourism Khalid Al-Eisir announced that Sudan is engaging in 'last-chance diplomacy' to navigate the complexities of the ongoing war and to foster peace, emphasizing that dialogue within Sudan is crucial for achieving lasting peace. He clarified that the government's restraint is a strategic approach to leverage political, legal, and diplomatic pressures rather than a sign of weakness.
According to Sudan News Agency, Al-Eisir's comments were made during an interview with Ahram Online, where he discussed various political, security, and regional issues, including the government's strategy for peace, Sudanese-Sudanese dialogue, and relations with neighboring countries. Key topics included the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) and the dynamics of Sudanese-Egyptian relations.
Al-Eisir highlighted that the Sudanese government does not impose specific conditions or agendas for dialogue. He mentioned that General Abdel-Fattah Al-Burhan, President of the Transitional Sovereignty Council and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, is actively working to create a conducive environment for these discussions. He also noted that external initiatives have been set aside, with Egypt viewed as pivotal to the success of the dialogue.
The government, according to Al-Eisir, is committed to preserving national sovereignty and ensuring the dignity of the Sudanese people, relying on popular support rather than external validation. He asserted that dialogue is essential for peace and could quickly end the war if the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) militia agrees to the terms set by the Armed Forces' leadership.
Al-Eisir reiterated that Sudan's restraint is a deliberate strategy to exhaust diplomatic channels while prioritizing regional stability and Red Sea security. On regional matters, he affirmed Sudan and Egypt's unified stance on the GERD and opposition to unilateral actions by Ethiopia. Sudan's water security remains a national priority, and any threat to downstream nations is unacceptable.
The minister also addressed the Al-Fashaga territory, asserting it belongs entirely to Sudan and should not be used for political leverage. He dismissed Ethiopian claims of Sudanese support for the Tigray region as unfounded. Furthermore, he emphasized Sudan's commitment to good-neighborly relations by not hosting hostile organizations and criticized Ethiopia's sheltering of RSF leader Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo 'Hemedti.'
Al-Eisir praised Egypt's supportive role concerning Sudan's national interests, describing it as a 'warm embrace' for Sudanese issues. He criticized the international community for misjudging Sudan's government and overlooking the public's perspective, calling for a revision of their stance, which he claims favors an unrepresentative minority.
Regarding the UN Security Council, Al-Eisir noted that Sudan has influential allies who can counter Western pressures that align with rebellious factions. As for Sudan's future, he affirmed the strong connection of regions like Darfur and Kordofan to the Sudanese state, rejecting any secessionist tendencies. He called for peace agreements to be rooted in grassroots perspectives, addressing societal issues through dialogue aimed at integration, coexistence, and the future of Sudan.