Face of Truth: Sudan and the Escalating Regional Moves: A Reading into the Visit of the Egyptian Intelligence Chief
Ibrahim Shglawi
The visit of the Egyptian intelligence chief to Sudan cannot be viewed in isolation from its temporal, spatial, and political contexts. Although the event may appear to be a protocol meeting and a message of goodwill and cooperation between two brotherly nations, the timing, the present parties, and the location—Port Sudan—reveal varying implications and point to ongoing shifts in both the Sudanese and regional landscapes.
The meeting brought together the President of Sudan’s Sovereign Council, General Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan, and Egypt’s Minister of Intelligence, Hassan Mahmoud Rashad, in his first visit to Sudan since assuming office in October 2024, succeeding the former intelligence chief, General Abbas Kamel. Rashad was then described as the “strong man” appointed amid significant complexities and challenges facing the Arab region.
Sudan is not removed from these challenges. In recent weeks, Sudan has witnessed notable developments on the ground, as the Sudanese army regained control over the Republican Palace and the capital, Khartoum, laying the groundwork for the symbolic and institutional return of the state to its official premises.
The visit also follows significant political developments, most notably Sudan’s legal complaint against the United Arab Emirates, which is scheduled to be heard by the International Court of Justice on Thursday, April 10, 2025. Sudan accuses the UAE of violating its obligations under the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide, particularly regarding its support for the Rapid Support Forces’ actions in West Darfur.
Within this context, the visit signals Cairo’s recognition of a shift in the balance of power and a repositioning within the Sudanese scene, underscoring the necessity of coordination between Sudan and Egypt in facing regional and international pressures—including the UAE file. Egypt may have arrived carrying a proposal on this issue, given Sudan’s favorable standing in the matter.
Furthermore, the visit comes at a highly sensitive time, following Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi’s meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron in Cairo, during which the Sudanese issue was discussed, alongside the situations in the Sahel and the Horn of Africa. It also coincides with President El-Sisi’s repeated affirmations of Cairo’s commitment to preserving the Sudanese state and the unity of its army, stressing that Sudan’s stability is integral to Egypt and the region. This aligns with increasing regional cooperation for the sake of security and peace, along with ongoing coordination between Cairo and Washington and Egypt’s growing support for Khartoum.
The meeting, held in Port Sudan in the presence of Sudan’s intelligence chief, Lieutenant General Ahmed Mufaddal, carries strong symbolic implications that may indicate new arrangements unfolding within Sudan. Simultaneously, the security dimension remains central to the visit. Egypt, fully aware of Sudan’s complex landscape, does not view bilateral relations in isolation from regional security. As Khartoum enters a phase of internal reorganization, it also needs to secure its northern borders from potential infiltrations or incursions—particularly in light of threats posed by the Rapid Support Forces. Thus, the implicit message seems twofold: from Cairo, a desire not to be surprised by on-ground developments that might undermine its interests; and from Khartoum, an affirmation that the state has resumed its security and political functions.
Amid successive victories by the Sudanese army in key areas—most notably Khartoum and Al-Jazirah—the Sudanese government previously submitted a roadmap to the United Nations, outlining a clear vision for transitioning to the next phase following the amendment of the 2025 constitutional document. This document lays the foundation for a new stage led by the military through a government of independent national technocrats, aimed at restoring security and achieving peace. The roadmap reflects a battlefield victory and a transition from reactive politics to shaping a new political equation based on state legitimacy, not militia threats.
It is also important to note the continued logistical and humanitarian coordination between Egypt and Sudan, alongside Egypt’s hosting of political forums for Sudanese forces. This constructive engagement reflects Cairo’s deep-rooted belief that Sudan’s stability is integral to its own national security. Moreover, there appear to be ongoing diplomatic efforts aimed at unifying Sudanese political actors, in support of a Sudanese-Sudanese dialogue to expedite the transition toward “the day after.”
Meanwhile, President Al-Burhan’s recent visit to Jeddah—following the army’s recapture of the Republican Palace—signals growing alignment with Saudi Arabia. Riyadh has announced its support for Sudan’s unity and its readiness to contribute to reconstruction efforts, maintaining its role in supporting peace in Sudan. These relations with Saudi Arabia reflect a coordinated regional movement aimed at achieving sustainable stability in Sudan.
The Sudanese reality today is not confined to ending the war or halting gunfire. It extends to redefining the state itself. The challenge now lies not only in silencing the guns but in engineering a cohesive security and political structure led by the army—one that prevents future collapse and restores confidence in state institutions. Within this framework, Egyptian and Saudi moves—backed by international legitimacy—are emerging as key players in shaping the new phase, especially amid the West’s lukewarm and divided stance.
Sudan today stands in a stronger position, where the military intersects with the political, and the local with the regional. No matter how formidable the challenges may be, from the perspective of #Face_of_Truth, the clarity of vision among Sudan’s leadership and the strength of its alliances—foremost with Egypt—constitute a vital pillar in the battle for peace. War alone does not build a state, but peace enforced from a position of strength may well be the first step toward a healed, unified homeland, capable of reclaiming its role in the Arab and African spheres.
Wishing you health and well-being.
Wednesday, April 9, 2025
Shglawi55@gmail.com