Communiqué of the Summit of Sudan’s Neighboring States
Cairo, 13th July 2023
At the invitation of H.E. Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, President of the Arab Republic of Egypt, the heads of state and governments of the Central African Republic, Chad, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Libya, and South Sudan, along with the Chairman of the African Union Commission and the Secretary General of the League of Arab States, convened in Cairo on July 13, 2023, for the “Summit of Sudan’s Neighboring States.” The purpose of the summit was to discuss the situation in Sudan and explore potential solutions to end the crisis. The leaders reached the following agreements:
(1) Expressing deep concern about the ongoing military confrontations and the deteriorating security and humanitarian conditions in Sudan, the leaders called on all parties involved in the conflict to de-escalate the situation immediately. They urged the parties to commit to a sustainable ceasefire, ensuring the protection of innocent civilian lives and preventing further destruction of property.
(2) Affirming their utmost respect for Sudan’s sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity, the leaders emphasized that the current conflict is an internal Sudanese matter. They stressed the importance of ending external interferences, which only prolong the conflict and hinder efforts to achieve stability and security in Sudan.
(3) Reiterating the significance of preserving the Sudanese State and its institutions, the leaders underscored the need to prevent the country from fragmenting or descending into chaos. Such outcomes could lead to the spread of terrorism, organized crime, and other threats to the national security of neighboring states and regional stability.
(4) Recognizing the urgent need for a comprehensive approach to address the current crisis and its humanitarian consequences, including the internally displaced persons and the increasing number of refugees fleeing to neighboring states, the leaders called upon the international community and donor countries to fulfill their pledges made at the “Ministerial-level Pledging Event to Support the Humanitarian Response in Sudan and the Region,” which took place on June 19, 2023.
(5) Expressing grave concern over the worsening humanitarian situation in Sudan, the leaders condemned the repeated attacks on civilians, healthcare facilities, and public services. They urged the international community to intensify efforts to provide essential humanitarian aid, address shortages of food and medical supplies, and alleviate the immense hardships faced by civilians affected by the crisis.
(6) Agreeing to facilitate the entry of humanitarian aid into Sudan through the territories of neighboring states, the leaders pledged to coordinate with relevant international agencies and organizations. They also emphasized the importance of establishing safe passages for aid delivery to the most affected and vulnerable areas. The leaders called upon all Sudanese parties to ensure the necessary protection and cooperation for humanitarian assistance and personnel in fulfilling their mission.
(7) Emphasizing the urgent need for a political solution to end the ongoing conflict, the leaders called for an inclusive and comprehensive national dialogue among Sudanese parties. They stressed the importance of prioritizing the aspirations and well-being of the Sudanese people in order to restore stability and security to the country.
(8)Agreeing to establish a Ministerial Mechanism consisting of the foreign ministers of Sudan’s neighboring states, the leaders tasked the mechanism with coordinating joint efforts to resolve the current conflict. The Ministerial Mechanism will hold its inaugural meeting in N’Djamena and will be responsible for the following actions:
(A) Develop an action plan comprising practical steps to halt the fighting and achieve a comprehensive solution to the crisis. This will involve direct communication with various Sudanese parties, in coordination with existing mechanisms such as the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and the African Union (AU).
(B) Discuss measures required to address the impact of the crisis on Sudan’s stability, unity, and territorial integrity, as well as safeguarding and preserving Sudan’s national institutions. The Ministerial Mechanism will also address the negative effects of the crisis on neighboring states and establish a mechanism for the delivery of humanitarian aid and relief to the Sudanese people.
(C.) Present recommendations to the next Summit of Sudan’s Neighboring States based on the discussions and outcomes of the Ministerial Mechanism.
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