The Truth Perspective | Ibrahim Shglawi Sudan: Regional and International Moves and the Beginning of Reaping the Rewards During the ongoing war, Sudan has been actively engaged in intense diplomatic and security efforts at both the regional and international levels, confronting the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) militia and its supporters, both domestically and abroad. These efforts have been based on a precise strategy aimed at restoring international legitimacy and reinforcing Sudan’s image as a sovereign state defending itself against one of the most dangerous conspiracies in its modern history. Now, as events unfold, Sudan has begun to reap the benefits of these efforts—not only in improving its foreign relations but also in building strong regional and international support. In this article, we discuss these developments, with a focus on the Munich Security Conference and the African Union Summit. Sudan’s Role at the Munich Security Conference One of Sudan’s most notable recent moves was its active participation in the Munich Security Conference, the world's most important security forum. Sudan was represented by its Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Director of the General Intelligence Service, Lieutenant General Ahmed Ibrahim Mufadel. This participation underscored Sudan’s geopolitical importance and highlighted the successes of its security and diplomatic apparatus in thwarting external conspiracies and exposing the RSF’s role to the world. The integration between Sudan’s accelerated military movements on the ground and its diplomatic and security efforts became evident in the breakthroughs Sudan achieved in the European arena, particularly with France and Italy. The visit of the French envoy to Sudan and his statements in support of the Sudanese government—rejecting any dealings with the RSF militia, as reported by news agencies—represent a clear success for Sudan’s security diplomacy. The Munich Conference, which has historically facilitated dialogue between major powers, provided Sudan with a unique opportunity to hold bilateral meetings with representatives of influential global actors such as Germany, Qatar, and Egypt, as well as European Union delegations. These meetings focused on presenting Sudan as a responsible state striving for regional stability and committed to protecting civilians despite the harsh circumstances imposed by the war. Security and Diplomatic Efforts to Isolate the RSF On the security front, Sudan’s General Intelligence Service achieved critical breakthroughs in isolating the RSF militia from its regional and international backers. Sudan’s ability to establish new relations with international intelligence agencies—including undisclosed meetings held on the sidelines of the Munich conference—enabled it to shift British policy and strengthen ties with France. These efforts demonstrate Sudan’s capability to navigate complex global interests skillfully, despite prevailing challenges. Regional Support for Sudan within the African Union At the regional level, several African nations, including Egypt, Algeria, South Africa, and Ethiopia, have expressed support for Sudan in its confrontation with the RSF militia. This support was reflected in clear positions adopted within the African Union, condemning the rebellion and endorsing Sudan’s roadmap for forming a transitional civilian government. In this context, Sudan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, according to the "Sudan News Platform," issued a statement welcoming a proposal by African Union member states to condemn the RSF rebellion. The statement reaffirmed Sudan’s commitment to legitimacy and expressed support for the transitional government and the Sudanese Armed Forces. The Sudanese statement explicitly highlighted positive stances from key African nations, including Egypt, Algeria, South Africa, Eritrea, Tunisia, Mali, Somalia, Senegal, Côte d'Ivoire, Burundi, Mauritania, and Botswana, which affirmed their support for Sudan’s legitimacy and the roadmap presented by the transitional government for forming a civilian administration. These regional positions reflect the continent’s solidarity with Sudan amid its ongoing crisis, particularly as these nations emphasized the importance of preserving the army as a national institution and a guarantor of Sudan’s unity and stability. Ethiopia’s Stance and Humanitarian Initiatives In a significant development, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed stated in a post on "X" that Ethiopia stands with the Sudanese people during their hardship, emphasizing the deep historical and cultural ties between the two countries. He also expressed his enthusiasm for hosting a high-level humanitarian conference to support Sudan. This statement reflects the regional shift towards intensifying diplomatic and humanitarian efforts to assist Sudan during these difficult times. Challenges and the African Perspective on Sudan’s Crisis According to sources cited by Al Jazeera, the proposal to condemn the RSF rebellion originated from African Union member states, who also underscored the importance of supporting Sudan’s roadmap. This reflects an emerging African consensus that strengthens Sudan’s position in international forums. However, Sudan’s crisis presents a major challenge for the continent, with immense humanitarian complexities and escalating conflicts. The African Peace and Security Council’s calls for a ceasefire and comprehensive dialogue highlight a collective awareness of the crisis’s gravity for Sudan and the wider region. If these calls are to genuinely support Sudan, they must first redefine the conflict as a rebellion backed by regional actors. The initial steps should include halting this external support, cutting off logistical supplies to the militia, identifying and explicitly condemning those responsible for fueling the war, and reinstating Sudan’s membership in the African Union. Conclusion: Sudan on the Brink of a New Phase Amid these challenges, Sudan relies on the synergy of its security and diplomatic institutions to strike a balance between defending its sovereignty and launching peace initiatives to restore stability. The coordination between military actions on the ground and diplomacy backed by a solid political and popular base provides Sudan with greater leverage to rebuild its state and enhance its standing in international forums. From the Truth Perspective, Sudan’s regional and international moves over the past months demonstrate its ability to navigate even the most challenging crises through coordinated efforts among its various institutions. Its successes at the Munich Conference and in rebuilding its regional and international relationships position Sudan on the verge of a new phase of enhanced security and peace—not only within its borders but also across the wider region. It is, therefore, essential that these positive efforts continue to reinforce Sudan’s political and security transition after the war, ensuring long-term peace for the Sudanese people. Wishing you all well and in good health. Sunday, February 16, 2025 [email protected]