Egypt has drawn explicit “red lines” regarding the conflict in Sudan, warning that any attempt to cross them would directly threaten Egyptian national security.
Cairo signaled it is prepared to take all measures permitted under the Joint Defense Agreement between the two countries, a position analysts describe as Cairo’s most forceful since the outbreak of war in Sudan in 2023.
The statement coincided with President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi receiving on Thursday Lt. Gen. Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, Chairman of Sudan’s Transitional Sovereignty Council.
El-Sisi reaffirmed Egypt’s “full support for the Sudanese people in overcoming the current critical phase,” stressing Cairo’s unwavering commitment to Sudan’s unity, sovereignty, security, and stability, according to presidential spokesman Mohamed El-Shennawy.
During the visit, Egypt also renewed its support for US President Donald Trump’s vision for achieving peace and stability in Sudan, aligning with Washington’s broader approach to de-escalation and conflict resolution.
For the first time since the conflict began, Cairo publicly articulated non-negotiable red lines, stressing that Sudan’s unity and territorial integrity are inseparable from Egypt’s own national security. These red lines include preventing the partition of Sudan, protecting the country’s resources, and preserving its state institutions.
The Egyptian presidency underscored that safeguarding Sudan’s institutions is highly important and affirmed Egypt’s “full right to take all necessary measures under international law,” including the possible activation of the Joint Defense Agreement to prevent any violations.
Egypt and Sudan signed a military cooperation agreement in March 2021 covering training, border security, and countering shared threats, building on a Joint Defense Agreement concluded in 1976 to confront external dangers.
Maj. Gen. Yahya Kadwani, a member of Egypt’s parliamentary Committee on Defense and National Security, warned that efforts to divide Sudan necessitate firm red lines to protect Sudanese state assets and Egypt’s own security.
He told Asharq Al-Awsat that invoking the joint defense pact signals strong coordination within international legitimacy and existing bilateral agreements.
The presidency said Egypt is deeply concerned by ongoing escalation in Sudan and the resulting “horrific massacres and flagrant violations of basic human rights,” particularly in El Fasher.
Cairo categorically rejected the creation or recognition of any parallel political or military entities, warning that such moves would undermine Sudan’s unity and territorial integrity.
Ambassador Salah Halima, a member of the Egyptian Council for Foreign Affairs, said Egyptian-Sudanese coordination aims to protect Egyptian, Sudanese, and Arab national security, noting that both countries are members of the Council of Red Sea Coastal States, which plays a strategic role in defense and development.
He added that Egypt’s stance aligns with the International Quartet initiative and a proposal advanced by Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman during his visit to the United States.
The roadmap calls for a three-month humanitarian truce, integration of the Rapid Support Forces into the Sudanese Armed Forces, and preservation of military cohesion.
The Quartet, which includes Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, and the United States, proposed last August a plan for a three-month humanitarian ceasefire, followed by a permanent cessation of hostilities and a political process leading to an independent civilian government within nine months.
Al-Burhan’s visit to Cairo followed talks in Saudi Arabia, where he affirmed Sudan’s readiness to work with Trump, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and US envoy Massad Boulos to end the war.
Amani Al-Tawil, Director of the Africa Program at the Al-Ahram Center for Political and Strategic Studies, said Egypt’s position represents its strongest stance yet and aligns with Saudi and US calls to preserve Sudan’s unity, halt the war, reject parallel entities, and protect state institutions.
