Mr. Ahmed Aboul Gheit, the Secretary-General of the League of Arab States, paid a visit on 9 December to Port Sudan, where he held discussions with Lieutenant General Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan, Chairman of the Sovereignty Council of the Republic of Sudan, as well as several ministers and senior officials from the Sovereignty Council.
Gamal Roshdy, the official spokesperson for the Secretary-General, stated that the visit reflects the League’s commitment to supporting Sudan—its government and its people—during this critical juncture. This commitment aligns with the resolutions of the League Council, which consistently emphasise the preservation of Sudan's sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity, the safeguarding of its state institutions, and the rejection of external interference in its internal affairs.
In his discussions, Mr. Aboul Gheit reiterated the League’s principled approach of bolstering Sudanese state institutions during these challenging times. He underscored the League’s support for efforts to halt the bloodshed and ensure the protection of Sudanese lives. Central to these efforts is the full implementation of the Jeddah Agreement, signed in May 2023, which includes key provisions such as the withdrawal of the Rapid Support Forces from civilian, service, and residential areas in Khartoum, facilitating unhindered humanitarian aid delivery, and respecting UN Security Council Resolution 2736 of 13 June 2024. The resolution calls for the lifting of the siege on the city of El Fasher and the unobstructed provision of all forms of humanitarian and relief assistance to the Sudanese people.
Following his meeting with President Al-Burhan, Mr. Aboul Gheit affirmed the "League's steadfast commitment to supporting the Sudanese state in its efforts to restore peace and stability." He highlighted "the League's historical engagement during critical junctures in Sudan’s journey, and the importance of resuming national dialogue to foster broad consensus that fulfils the aspirations of the Sudanese people and guides the country towards safety and stability."
Mr. Aboul Gheit attentively listened to Al-Burhan as he provided insights into the evolving internal situation in Sudan. This included updates on the security landscape and potential avenues for the League to contribute effectively to halting the bloodshed, supporting a peaceful political transition, and achieving a broad national consensus that ensures the nation's future. The Secretary-General also received a detailed briefing from senior Sudanese officials on the dire humanitarian conditions, exacerbated by widespread human rights violations attributed to the Rapid Support Forces. The discussions addressed the pressing support Sudan requires at the national, Arab, and international levels to confront these profound challenges.
In his statements, Mr. Aboul Gheit expressed the League's determination to sustain its efforts and engagement with Sudanese state institutions and national forces. He underscored the League’s intention to work in collaboration with key Arab nations and the United Nations to bolster Sudan’s stability and empower its national institutions.
In addition to his discussions with Lieutenant General Al-Burhan, the Secretary-General met with His Excellency Ali Youssef, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Sudan; His Excellency Khalid Ismail Ahmed, Minister of Culture and Information; and His Excellency Lieutenant General Ibrahim Jaber, who oversees humanitarian aid operations. During these meetings, Mr. Aboul Gheit was presented with comprehensive overviews of the political, security, and humanitarian situations, as well as proposals for enhancing joint Arab efforts to support Sudan.
