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French FM to Asharq Al-Awsat: We Are Working with Saudi Arabia to Support Regional Stability

French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna (EPA)
French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna (EPA)
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French FM to Asharq Al-Awsat: We Are Working with Saudi Arabia to Support Regional Stability

French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna (EPA)
French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna (EPA)

French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna said in remarks to Asharq Al-Awsat on Thursday that strengthening France’s relations with both Saudi Arabia and the UAE can be considered as a way to respond to chronic and escalating instability in the Middle East.

The minister pointed to Iran adopting systemic escalation in a crisis-ridden Middle East. She said that Tehran does so by pressing onwards with destabilizing nuclear, ballistic, and drone programs and using proxies abroad.

In addition to suppressing Iranians at home, the regime in Iran continues to threaten other countries in the region. It is also participating in Russia’s war on Ukraine.

Colonna confirmed that France is “determined to stand” in the face of these threats, and that it will remain “faithful to its obligations towards the security of its partners” in the Gulf region.

In her interview, the minister affirmed that her country is “seeking to strengthen cooperation with Saudi Arabia in order to find solutions to regional crises.”

Colonna said that the region can “rely on Saudi Arabia and the UAE as the poles of stability in the region.”

She stressed that “Paris wants to strengthen relations with Riyadh in all fields, and that it supports Saudi Arabia’s national transformation plan, dubbed “Kingdom Vision 2030.”

Colonna, who is visiting the Gulf region for the first time, said that she is carrying a “simple message,” that countries of this part of the world can count on France in the face of chronic and growing instability that has become a reality in the region.

“Strengthening relations with our partners in the Gulf region, particularly Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, is a way to confront this reality,” said Colonna.

The French minister recalled the untold devastation brought about by Russia’s war on Ukraine and said that the world’s nations must adhere to “common principles of the UN Charter in this regard.”

“These principles stipulate that no country has the right to invade a neighboring country, and this principle applies in Europe, the Middle East and throughout the world,” she stated.

“In fact, the Middle East is suffering from crises as well, and the region is primarily facing the escalation that Iran is deliberately leading by carrying out destabilizing activities,” added Colonna.

The top diplomat said that several flashpoints exacerbate the risks of a more difficult situation arising in the Middle East.

She pointed to escalation of violence in Israel and the Palestinian territories, the continuing political vacuum in Lebanon, instability in Yemen and the volatility of the situation there without a cease-fire agreement.

Additionally, there is the failure in Syria.

“France fulfills its commitment to support and secure its partners in the Gulf region and is ready to strengthen cooperation with Saudi Arabia in order to resolve regional crises and combat the hotbeds of instability in the region,” reiterated Colonna.

Colonna urged mobilizing all efforts to promote dialogue.

“We must seize all opportunities in order to limit the areas of conflict,” she explained.

Highlighting that cooperation among the countries of the region has great potential, Colonna said: “We must urge cooperation in this troubled region in order to achieve the interests of all in general, and for the sake of the peoples of the region in particular.”

The minister emphasized that Saudi Arabia and the UAE represent stability in the region.

She affirmed that Paris has already “embarked on a solid partnership with Saudi Arabia.”

“We want to strengthen all aspects of this partnership in the fields of economy, energy and culture,” added Colonna.

She asserted that France supports Kingdom Vision 2030, which was put forward by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

“We seek enhancing support for the Kingdom in the economic and social transformation projects that it undertakes and the transition it leads in the field of energy,” said Colonna.

Moreover, the minister revealed that she will soon be meeting with the newly appointed Gulf Cooperation Council secretary-general.

“The GCC proves the region’s ability to overcome differences in the pursuit of unity and contributing to peace. This is of paramount importance in the period of turmoil the region is facing,” said Colonna.

When asked about Iran’s behavior in the region, Colonna said: “We and our partners persevere in seeking a diplomatic solution to the current situation. We call on Iran to implement all its international obligations.”

“We remain determined to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons,” she asserted.

“Unfortunately, however, our sources of concern are not limited to the nuclear issue. Iran threatens its regional environment and seeks to destabilize it,” added Colonna.

The minister explained that Iran operates directly in its neighboring countries through proxies that pursue its interests.

“Such destabilizing activities are on the rise,” said Colonna.

Affirming that Paris is determined to confront Iran about its illicit activities, Colonna said: “We are communicating closely with our international and regional partners in order to address the situation by focusing on the transfer of remote drones and missiles carried out by Iran in violation of Resolution 2231 of the UN Security Council.”

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Al-Hadi Idris to Asharq Al-Awsat: The Parallel Government Aims to Prevent Sudan’s Fragmentation

Al-Hadi Idris, former member of Sudan’s Sovereign Council (Asharq Al-Awsat).
Al-Hadi Idris, former member of Sudan’s Sovereign Council (Asharq Al-Awsat).
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Al-Hadi Idris to Asharq Al-Awsat: The Parallel Government Aims to Prevent Sudan’s Fragmentation

Al-Hadi Idris, former member of Sudan’s Sovereign Council (Asharq Al-Awsat).
Al-Hadi Idris, former member of Sudan’s Sovereign Council (Asharq Al-Awsat).

As Sudan grapples with ongoing turmoil following the outbreak of war in April 2023, the establishment of a “parallel government” in areas controlled by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has sparked widespread concern. Domestically, regionally, and internationally, fears are mounting over Sudan’s future, the risk of further division, and the threat of another partition. However, supporters of this initiative—who recently signed a new constitution and a governance roadmap—view it as a major opportunity to build a new Sudan founded on freedom, democracy, and justice, preventing the country from descending into chaos and fragmentation.

A Government for Peace and Unity

The new administration, known as the “Government of Peace and Unity,” aims to rebuild the state on principles of justice and equality while ensuring essential services for all Sudanese citizens—not just those in RSF-controlled areas. Its proponents have sought to reassure both Sudanese citizens and neighboring countries that their objective is to preserve Sudan’s unity.

Emerging at a critical juncture, this initiative presents itself as an alternative to the military-backed government based in Port Sudan, which serves as Sudan’s temporary capital. The parallel government hopes to earn the trust of Sudanese citizens and secure international support by demonstrating a serious commitment to ending the war and reconstructing the state on democratic, secular, and decentralized foundations.

Will this government succeed in bringing about the desired peace, or will the challenges it faces prove insurmountable? Asharq Al-Awsat spoke with Dr. Al-Hadi Idris, a key leader in the “Tasis” coalition behind the formation of the parallel government.

Why Form a Parallel Government?

Idris, a former member of Sudan’s Sovereign Council during the transitional government led by Dr. Abdalla Hamdok, emphasized that their goal is to establish a “government of peace and unity.”

“As a political and military force, we have always been committed to resolving Sudan’s crisis, which erupted on April 15, 2023, through peaceful means,” Idris explained. “We have made extensive efforts to push those supporting the war toward dialogue and engagement with peace initiatives, including those in Jeddah, Manama, and Geneva. However, the army and the de facto authorities in Port Sudan have refused to negotiate. This left us with no choice but to explore more effective ways to bring the warring parties to the table and stop the conflict. The formation of a parallel government is a step toward fulfilling our responsibilities to the many people who have been neglected and left without adequate care.”

Why Is the Army Refusing Dialogue?

Idris, who also leads the Revolutionary Front—a coalition of armed movements from Darfur and political groups outside the region, such as the Beja Congress led by Osama Saeed and the Kush Movement from northern Sudan—claims that the military’s reluctance to negotiate stems from external influences.

“We understand why the army refuses to come to the negotiating table,” he said. “It is under the control of the Islamic movement and remnants of the former regime, who fear that any political process will remove them from power and diminish their influence. They are keen on prolonging the war despite the devastation, suffering, and displacement it causes to civilians.”

Accusations of Division Policies

Idris accused Sudan’s military leaders of implementing measures that risk deepening the country’s divisions. These include issuing a new currency exclusive to areas under their control, restricting access to education in certain regions, and selectively issuing travel and identity documents.

“Such actions could lead to the country’s partition, which we completely oppose,” he stressed.

A Government for All Sudanese

Idris rejected claims that the new government is tied solely to Darfur or the RSF.

“Our government is not for Darfur alone, nor for the RSF or any single region,” he said. “It represents all of Sudan—from north to south, east to west. We have drafted a constitution that guarantees equal rights for all, signed by individuals and entities from across the country. The new government will be responsible for rebuilding the state and delivering essential services, including education, healthcare, and security.”

Local and Regional Concerns

Despite strong opposition to a parallel government from neighboring states, as well as international and regional organizations—including the United Nations and IGAD (Intergovernmental Authority on Development)—Idris remains confident that these concerns will dissipate once the government takes shape.

“People have a right to be worried,” he admitted. “But once they see our government in action, they will understand that we stand for unity, peace, and stability—not the opposite.”

International Recognition: A Secondary Concern

Idris dismissed concerns over whether the new government would gain international recognition.

“This is not something that worries us,” he said. “We have already engaged with countries like Uganda, Kenya, Ethiopia, and Chad, where we have encountered sympathy for our cause. These nations have a vested interest in Sudan’s stability. In Uganda, we were received by President Yoweri Museveni himself, and in Kenya, President William Ruto welcomed us with open arms.”

The Failure of the Old State Model

According to Idris, Sudan’s traditional state structure has failed and is no longer viable.

“The world is changing around us,” he observed. “Lebanon has entered a new era, and Syria has moved past its oppressive old regime. The old political systems have no future. Since Sudan’s independence in 1956, no government has succeeded in establishing a stable, unified national state. Our history is marked by conflict and instability. That is why, during our meetings in Nairobi, we emphasized the need for a democratic, secular, and decentralized state that protects the rights of all citizens, regardless of their regional or ethnic background.”

A Role for the US in Ending the War

Idris believes the United States can play a decisive role in resolving the Sudanese conflict.

“Washington was heavily involved from the beginning of the war in 2023,” he said. “President Joe Biden’s administration made significant efforts to help Sudan, though it was unable to stop the war. We hope that the new US administration under Donald Trump will take a more effective approach, using a mix of incentives and pressure on all parties to achieve peace. We are open to working with anyone who can help resolve the crisis. Our government is a government of peace, and we are ready to engage with all stakeholders.”

Protecting Civilians from Airstrikes

Idris stressed that any legitimate government must prioritize civilian protection.

“A government that does not protect its citizens has no value,” he asserted. “We will appoint a defense minister whose primary mission will be to develop defensive strategies aimed at safeguarding civilians by all possible means. Additionally, we are working to establish the nucleus of a new national army, drawing from our allied forces, including the RSF, the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North, the Sudan Liberation Movement-Transitional Council, and other armed factions. A unified Joint Chiefs of Staff will be formed, and after the war ends, this force will serve as the foundation for a restructured national army dedicated solely to border protection and internal security—completely detached from politics.”

“There will no longer be two separate armies,” Idris declared. “There will be one unified military.”

Currency and Travel Documents

Idris confirmed that the new government will introduce its own currency, passports, and travel documents.

“The currency issue was a major factor in our decision to establish this government,” he said. “In many parts of Sudan, people rely on bartering because the Port Sudan government has drained cash supplies from areas outside its control. As a result, goods like salt, sugar, and wheat are traded in lieu of money. In some regions, cash is virtually nonexistent, making daily life incredibly difficult.”

When Will the New Government Be Announced?

Idris revealed that intensive consultations are underway to finalize the launch date.

“We expect to announce the new government within a month, from inside Sudan,” he said. “We have several options for where the announcement will take place, and we will reveal the location in the coming days.”

Participation in Future Negotiations

As for potential peace talks, Idris made it clear: “We are open to any serious and responsible initiative—whether local, regional, or international—but we will only engage in negotiations as the legitimate government of Sudan, a government of peace.”