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Djibouti FM to Asharq Al-Awsat: We Are Seeking Meeting with Representatives of Burhan, Hemedti

Djiboutian Foreign Minister Mahmoud Ali Youssouf. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Djiboutian Foreign Minister Mahmoud Ali Youssouf. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Djibouti FM to Asharq Al-Awsat: We Are Seeking Meeting with Representatives of Burhan, Hemedti

Djiboutian Foreign Minister Mahmoud Ali Youssouf. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Djiboutian Foreign Minister Mahmoud Ali Youssouf. (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Djiboutian Foreign Minister Mahmoud Ali Youssouf revealed that the presidents of Djibouti, South Sudan, and Kenya are anticipating a cessation of hostilities in Sudan.

He also said the heads of states are hoping that “formal and effective” mediation prevails between Sudan’s warring factions.

Clashes between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) erupted in mid-April, killing hundreds and injuring thousands more.

Regional African bloc Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), after a virtual summit in April, said it plans to send the presidents of Kenya, South Sudan, and Djibouti as soon as possible to reconcile conflicting Sudan groups.

“We are currently seeking a meeting between representatives of Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, the head of the Sovereign Council and commander of the Sudanese army, and his deputy, commander of the RSF, Mohamed Hamdan “Hemedti” Daglo, with representatives of the three countries to execute the IGAD mission,” Youssouf told Asharq Al-Awsat.

The top diplomat stated that Burhan and Hemedti have “already agreed in principle to the mediation, but the ceasefire remains a problem.”

A cessation of hostilities is a fundamental requirement for the presidents of South Sudan, Kenya, and Djibouti to arrive in the Sudanese capital, Khartoum.

“We are simply waiting for the ceasefire and the cessation of hostilities to be respected, so that the presidents can travel to Khartoum,” affirmed Youssouf.

“We have decided to hold a meeting between representatives of Burhan and Hemedti with the foreign ministers of the three countries in any of their respective countries, in order to pave the way for the visit,” he added.

According to Youssouf, the current situation in Sudan is a “disaster in every sense of the word.”

Despite challenges and delays, the transitional period had been making progress until recently.

“The disaster was a result of the contradictions within the Sudanese military establishment,” explained Youssouf.

The minister expressed his desire for a more prominent and effective Arab role, stating that the Arab League should take a greater role in the Sudan crisis, given the country's integral role in the Arab world.

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Arab World

Islamabad: 50,000 Pakistanis Are Missing in Iraq

Every year, millions of Shiites flock to religious sites in Iraq’s Najaf and Karbala. (EPA)
Every year, millions of Shiites flock to religious sites in Iraq’s Najaf and Karbala. (EPA)
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Islamabad: 50,000 Pakistanis Are Missing in Iraq

Every year, millions of Shiites flock to religious sites in Iraq’s Najaf and Karbala. (EPA)
Every year, millions of Shiites flock to religious sites in Iraq’s Najaf and Karbala. (EPA)

Pakistan’s Minister of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Chaudhry Salik Hussain sparked controversy when he revealed that 50,000 Pakistanis have gone missing in Iraq over the years.

He urged the Baghdad government to immediately launch a probe into how the Pakistanis entered Iraq to visit religious sites during the month of Muharram, he was quoted as saying by Pakistan’s Ummat newspaper.

Islamabad is investigating how people have traveled outside Pakistan through illegal means, he remarked.

The permanent committee for religious affairs and interfaith harmony has since proposed new policies for trips to holy sites in foreign countries, including Iraq.

In Iraq, the minister’s comments drew mockery and condemnation on social media and sparked renewed debate over illegal workers in the country.

Politician Mishaan al-Juburi urged the government to make a statement over Hussain’s comments, warning that they may impact security and the labor force.

Hussain’s comments coincided with Iraqi police announcing the arrest of six Pakistanis in Baghdad on charges of theft.

Previously, military intelligence also announced the arrest of a nine-member Pakistani kidnapping and extortion gang in Baghdad. The gang had kidnapped foreigners for ransom.

Meanwhile, Labor Minister Ahmed al-Asadi expressed his concern and condemnation over the increasing number of illegal workers in Iraq.

He said his ministry will investigate the disappearance of the Pakistanis.

He confirmed that several tourists, including Pakistanis, have flocked to Iraq in recent days, and many have taken up employment without the necessary legal permits.

He warned that this phenomenon is negatively impacting the national economy.

The ministry will not be lenient in taking the necessary legal measures against the violators, he vowed.

Iraq welcomes all tourists, whether they are here on a religious visit or otherwise, but they must respect local laws and regulations, declared Asadi.

Every year, millions of Shiites flock to religious sites in Iraq’s Najaf and Karbala.