Newly-Appointed US Ambassador Supports Civilian-led Democratic Transition in Sudan

The US newly-appointed Ambassador in Sudan, John Godfrey, at the presidential palace in Khartoum (AFP)
The US newly-appointed Ambassador in Sudan, John Godfrey, at the presidential palace in Khartoum (AFP)
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Newly-Appointed US Ambassador Supports Civilian-led Democratic Transition in Sudan

The US newly-appointed Ambassador in Sudan, John Godfrey, at the presidential palace in Khartoum (AFP)
The US newly-appointed Ambassador in Sudan, John Godfrey, at the presidential palace in Khartoum (AFP)

The US newly-appointed Ambassador in Sudan, John Godfrey, began his work with meetings that sparked controversy between Sudanese parties.

The opposition saw a sign of support in Godfrey's meetings with the families of the victims, the resistance committee, and the main opposition alliance Freedom and Change.

Meanwhile, military supporters considered that the mere presentation of the ambassador's credentials to General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan constitutes recognition of the de facto government.

The spokesman for the "Freedom and Change-Central Council", Wajdi Saleh, told Asharq Al-Awsat that the political committee of the coalition met with the Ambassador at his invitation after presenting his credentials.

Godfrey informed the coalition that the US is "steadfast" in its support for democratic transformation, with a civilian-led leadership.

Saleh explained that the delegation considered the invitation an important step to develop relations between the two countries.

The delegation reiterated the vision of the Coalition, asserting that the current crisis was created by the coup, asserting that the only solution is establishing a full civilian-led authority that leads the democratic transition, in a way that guarantees the stability and peace of Sudan.

The US embassy did not mention Godfrey’s meeting with the Forces of Freedom and Change. However, the coalition published a press statement about it. The spokesman also confirmed the meeting to Asharq Al-Awsat.

Ambassador Godfrey presented his credentials last Thursday to the chairman of the Transitional Sovereignty Council; a move seen by the supporters of Burhan as a US of the de facto government.

They argued that former western and US diplomats avoided presenting their credentials to former President Omar al-Bashir.

Before his arrival in Khartoum, Godfrey outlined his policies towards Khartoum in a Facebook post.

He met with prominent members of the Sudanese diaspora and US-based activists to discuss the current situation in Sudan.

“There was agreement on the need to continue advocating for a new government under civilian leadership and to support the Sudanese people in their efforts to carry forward their democratic transition.”

Godfrey reiterated his country's position when he met Foreign Minister-designate Ali al-Sadiq, last week, and stressed that it aims to deepen relations between the United States and the Sudanese people, form a civilian-led government, and move forward with Sudan's transition to democracy.

The Ambassador did not mention the head of the Sovereignty Council by name in several Embassy announcement.

He said in a post at the Embassy’s Facebook page: “I presented my diplomatic credentials. I look forward to strengthening the U.S. relationship with the Sudanese people, supporting their desire to advance their country’s democratic transition under civilian leadership.”

The US ambassador began his official activities in Sudan with a meeting with the families of the martyrs.

“I was honored to meet with the mothers of four martyrs who tragically lost their lives while demonstrating in support of freedom and democracy in Sudan,” he said after the meeting.

“Their message – that the lives of their children cannot have been lost in vain and that Sudan must resume a democratic transition under civilian leadership – was deeply moving.”

Godfrey then met with the Resistance Committee members from around Sudan.

He described them as the “courageous organizers of this grassroots, youth-led movement,” noting that they discussed the challenges they face and their commitment to restoring a path to democracy.

“The United States continues to support their insistence on a new civilian-led government and their pursuit of freedom, peace, and justice,” asserted the Ambassador.

Godfrey's arrival in the country triggered the stagnation that accompanied the US-Saudi initiative for military-civilian dialogue. He met the Saudi ambassador, Ali bin Hassan Jaafar, with the participation of the British ambassador.



Why Is Israel Repeating Claims of Weapons Smuggling from Egypt?

A general view of the Philadelphi Corridor along the border between southern Gaza and Egypt (AFP)
A general view of the Philadelphi Corridor along the border between southern Gaza and Egypt (AFP)
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Why Is Israel Repeating Claims of Weapons Smuggling from Egypt?

A general view of the Philadelphi Corridor along the border between southern Gaza and Egypt (AFP)
A general view of the Philadelphi Corridor along the border between southern Gaza and Egypt (AFP)

Israel said its military had downed a drone carrying weapons that it claimed entered from Egyptian territory, in an incident that experts say reflects ongoing tensions between the two neighbors and may be aimed at pressuring Cairo over its opposition to the displacement of Palestinians from Gaza.

In a statement on Tuesday evening, the Israeli military said it had detected a drone attempting to smuggle weapons from Egypt into Israel around the Paran Brigade, near the border.

The drone was intercepted by Israeli forces. Upon arrival at the scene, security personnel located the drone, four weapons and ammunition, the army said, adding that the seized items were handed over to Israeli police.

The French news agency AFP also cited the statement, noting no casualties were reported.

The incident is the latest in a series of claims by Israel alleging that drones or weapons have entered its territory from Egypt.

In February, Israel said it had shot down a drone crossing from Egypt, and in October, it reported intercepting another drone it said was smuggling arms.

Egypt has not issued an official response to the latest incident, but a senior Egyptian military analyst dismissed the Israeli claims.

Retired General Samir Farag told Asharq Al-Awsat that Egyptian territory is “secure and tightly controlled,” rejecting any suggestion that it is being used to smuggle arms into Israel.

He said the repeated Israeli claims were a “pretext to justify the continued mobilization of the Israeli army and the war on Gaza” amid growing domestic unrest in Israel.

Cairo has been a central mediator in ceasefire talks between Israel and Hamas and has staunchly opposed any plan to forcibly displace Palestinians from the besieged enclave.

Israel has recently seen mounting anti-war protests from current and former soldiers, as well as civilians.

The demonstrations were sparked by an April 9 letter signed by a group of Israeli air force pilots demanding the immediate release of hostages held in Gaza—even if it meant halting the war.

The letter has since been backed by more soldiers, artists, intellectuals and public figures, further fueling pressure on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government to reconsider its war strategy.

Former Egyptian diplomats and analysts have also dismissed Israeli claims that a drone carrying weapons entered its territory from Egypt, describing the move as part of a broader strategy by Tel Aviv to apply psychological and political pressure amid strained bilateral ties.

Ambassador Rakha Ahmed Hassan, a former assistant to Egypt’s foreign minister, said Israel’s allegations are consistent with its use of “hybrid warfare,” which includes military, psychological, and media tactics designed to manipulate other parties.

“These accusations are baseless,” Hassan told Asharq Al-Awsat, adding that their repetition reflects growing internal pressure in Israel—both economic and military—as well as tension in relations with Cairo.

Hassan said Tel Aviv is frustrated with Egypt’s firm rejection of any plan to forcibly displace Palestinians from Gaza and its active diplomatic efforts to rally international support for reconstruction without resettlement.

“Israel is trying to deflect attention by repeatedly targeting Egypt’s role,” he said, pointing to recent Israeli media reports questioning Egypt’s military buildup in Sinai.

Israeli outlets have published reports in recent days alleging an unprecedented Egyptian military presence near the border, which some in Israel have claimed violates the 1979 peace treaty between the two countries.

Dr. Said Okasha, an expert on Israeli affairs at Egypt’s Al-Ahram Center for Political and Strategic Studies, echoed these concerns, saying the drone claim is a reflection of current tensions with Cairo.

“It’s puzzling that Israel would make such statements publicly when there are well-established channels for handling border security issues through joint coordination committees,” Okasha said.

He added that the move appears aimed at undermining Egypt’s credibility as a mediator in the Gaza ceasefire talks while also serving as a distraction for Israel’s domestic audience amid growing protests over the government’s inability to end the conflict.