Sudan’s Intelligence Imposes Travel Bans on Gov't Officials

Member of the Transitional Sovereign Council Mohammad al-Faki (SUNA)
Member of the Transitional Sovereign Council Mohammad al-Faki (SUNA)
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Sudan’s Intelligence Imposes Travel Bans on Gov't Officials

Member of the Transitional Sovereign Council Mohammad al-Faki (SUNA)
Member of the Transitional Sovereign Council Mohammad al-Faki (SUNA)

The Sudanese General Intelligence Service (GIS) informed the airport security authorities that several high-ranking officials are banned from traveling, according to sources in the transitional government.

Member of the Transitional Sovereign Council Mohammad al-Faki, Minister Khaled Omar Youssif, and members of the committee to dismantle the June 30 regime were on the list of figures banned from leaving the country.

A source told Asharq Al-Awsat that the Intelligence Service handed over a list of those banned to airport security authorities following the failed coup attempt.

The list also included committee members Wajdi Saleh, Salah Manna, Babiker Faisal, and Taha Othman Ishaq.

The security authorities prevented the committee spokesman, Salah Manna, from traveling to Cairo before recanting and allowing him to leave.

Minister Khaled Omar formed a joint investigation committee including officials from the government and the Intelligence Service to investigate the incident.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok held a series of unofficial meetings with the Forces Freedom and Change to address the differences between dissidents from the Alliance and the members of the coalition who signed the constitutional document.

A source told Asharq Al-Awsat that the Forces of Freedom and Change rejected a proposal to hold a joint meeting between the two groups, forcing the prime minister to hold an unofficial meeting until late Tuesday without releasing any information.

A dissident group from the Declaration of Freedom and Change, which includes government members represented following the Juba Peace Agreement, accused the ruling coalition of excluding them and attempting to take over the revolution.

The ruling coalition says that the incident is linked to a coup attempt orchestrated by the soldiers in the Sovereign Council to avoid implementing the constitutional document governing the transitional period, which clearly defined the partnership between the coalition and the military in the transitional government.



Egyptian-American Discussions Address Red Sea Tensions

An American fighter jet launches from the deck of the USS Harry S. Truman to conduct strikes against Houthi targets. (Reuters) 
An American fighter jet launches from the deck of the USS Harry S. Truman to conduct strikes against Houthi targets. (Reuters) 
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Egyptian-American Discussions Address Red Sea Tensions

An American fighter jet launches from the deck of the USS Harry S. Truman to conduct strikes against Houthi targets. (Reuters) 
An American fighter jet launches from the deck of the USS Harry S. Truman to conduct strikes against Houthi targets. (Reuters) 

Recent escalations in the Red Sea have prompted high-level discussions between Egyptian and American defense officials concerning the impact of Houthi attacks on maritime security and the global economy.

US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth engaged in a telephone conversation with Egypt’s Minister of Defense and Military Production, General Abdel Majeed Saqr, to underscore the robust strategic partnership between the United States and Egypt.

According to a statement from the US Department of Defense, the two leaders explored means to enhance mutual interests, focusing on the significance of Red Sea security. They addressed the destabilizing actions of the Iran-backed Houthi movement in Yemen, which have adversely affected the Suez Canal and the broader global economy.

In a related development, US President Donald Trump and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi discussed regional mediation efforts aimed at restoring stability. The Egyptian presidency reported that the leaders deliberated on developments in the Middle East and mediation initiatives to reestablish calm, positively influencing Red Sea navigation and mitigating economic losses.

Trump, via his Truth Social platform, highlighted the substantial military progress made against the Houthi group, who have been responsible for attacks on vessels in the Red Sea. He also noted discussions with Sisi regarding the situation in Gaza, potential solutions, and military readiness.

The United States initiated military operations against the Houthi group on March 15, following the group’s declaration to resume attacks on ships linked to Israel traversing the Red Sea, the Arabian Sea, the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, and the Gulf of Aden.

Since November 2023, numerous global shipping companies have altered their routes to avoid the Red Sea due to the Houthi attacks, which the group claims are in retaliation for Israel’s military actions in Gaza. This rerouting has led to significant economic repercussions, particularly for Egypt. Sisi revealed that the Suez Canal has suffered monthly revenue losses of approximately $800 million as a result of the ongoing instability in the region.

Egypt has consistently expressed support for efforts aimed at ensuring the freedom of navigation in the Red Sea, given the adverse effects on the Suez Canal. However, Egyptian officials have emphasized their reluctance to join any military alliances.

Military expert Major General Samir Farag stated that while Egypt seeks assistance in securing Red Sea navigation, it prefers not to participate in military coalitions, having previously declined involvement in the US-led “Prosperity Guardian” initiative. Farag also linked the restoration of security in the Red Sea to the cessation of hostilities in Gaza, noting that attacks on vessels subsided during the truce.

Similarly, Ambassador Hussein Haridi, a former Egyptian Assistant Foreign Minister, indicated that the United States has shown interest in involving Egypt in Red Sea affairs. He suggested that the recent communication between the defense ministers of both nations aligns with this context.

Haridi underscored Egypt’s position that, despite being significantly affected by Red Sea tensions, the root cause lies in the ongoing conflict in Gaza.