Sudanese Foreign Minister Ali Youssef Al-Sharif expressed firm opposition to what he described as the “Libyan model” being replicated in Sudan, emphasizing that any moves aimed at forming a parallel government are unacceptable.
He warned that such efforts would “weaken Sudan and complicate efforts to resolve the current crisis.”
Since April 2023, Sudan has been engulfed in internal conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), labeled a “rebel militia” by the government. The war has claimed thousands of civilian lives and displaced millions both internally and externally.
In exclusive remarks to Asharq Al-Awsat during his visit to Cairo, Al-Sharif cautioned against the dangers of consultations being held by some political and civil actors to form a “parallel government,” describing such efforts as targeting the division and fragmentation of Sudan.
In recent weeks, Sudanese political forces, including figures from the “Tansiqiyya Taqaddum” coalition, have held discussions in Nairobi, Kenya, to explore the formation of a “peace government,” a move welcomed by the RSF.
The foreign minister described these initiatives as “a new conspiracy against Sudan,” alleging the involvement of external actors motivated by the military’s advances against the RSF. He emphasized Sudan’s reliance on countries that support its unity and stability to thwart these moves and ensure they are not legitimized. Al-Sharif highlighted that Egypt is at the forefront of nations on which Sudan depends in countering these efforts, adding that his country maintains strong relations with key Arab states and international powers, including Russia and China.
During talks with his Egyptian counterpart, Badr Abdel Aty, the two ministers agreed that attempts to establish a parallel government would complicate Sudan’s internal situation. Al-Sharif praised Egypt’s support for Sudan’s unity, sovereignty, and national institutions.
On warnings of famine in Sudan, the official dismissed claims by some international forces about the country facing famine, accusing these actors of trying to pressure the UN Security Council to intervene. He clarified that Sudan is experiencing a “domestic food crisis” but not famine.
Russia recently vetoed a British-sponsored resolution in the Security Council calling for the implementation of the Jeddah humanitarian agreement signed in May 2023. The resolution also proposed creating a regional protection force in coordination with the African Union and international partners to safeguard civilians in Sudan.
The minister linked international focus on the famine narrative to calls for a parallel government, describing these as part of a “unified conspiracy targeting Sudan’s resources and capabilities.”
He criticized the international community’s “weak response” to crimes committed by the RSF against civilians, asserting that the documented violations are sufficient grounds for the International Criminal Court to prosecute RSF leaders.
Sudan has taken legal measures through international organizations such as the UN Security Council and the African Union to classify the RSF as a terrorist group. Al-Sharif also criticized the global community for ignoring Sudan’s crisis while focusing on the war in Gaza. He urged action to restrict the movement of RSF leaders and hold accountable the states providing them refuge.
Regarding the resolution of the ongoing war, Al-Sharif asserted that military resolution is the only viable option at present. He highlighted the army’s progress toward military victory, attributing delays to the RSF’s strategy of using civilians and civilian infrastructure as shields.
The foreign minister insisted that a political solution cannot be pursued while the war continues, arguing that political issues must be left to civilian forces to discuss after a ceasefire is achieved. He emphasized that any lasting resolution must involve a ceasefire followed by the complete disbandment of the RSF, as Sudan cannot tolerate the existence of armed forces parallel to the national military.
On Sudan’s potential reinstatement to the African Union, Al-Sharif stated that restoring the country’s membership requires the formation of a civilian government in line with a constitutional document. He did not rule out the possibility of such a government being formed in the near future. “It is possible,” he said.
