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In a bid to address the escalating crisis in Sudan, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed recently held a crucial meeting with Lieutenant General Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan, Chairman of the Sudanese Sovereignty Council, in Port Sudan. This significant diplomatic engagement was swiftly followed by a call between UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed and Al-Burhan, setting the stage for an upcoming tripartite summit in Addis Ababa.
Meanwhile, Cairo played host to a pivotal political gathering where various Sudanese factions, including the Coordination of Civilian Democratic Forces, convened. This meeting marked a notable shift towards a more inclusive approach to resolving the Sudanese crisis, which threatens the stability of state institutions. It underscored the pressing need for comprehensive diplomatic efforts amid the ongoing turmoil.
The UAE’s involvement is crucial, given its strong personal and economic ties with Al-Burhan as well asl his nemesis, Muhammad Hamdan Dagalo (Hemeti). Leveraging longstanding business relationships and personal connections to Sudan, the UAE emerges as a key mediator in the negotiations. However, Sudan’s Burhan had previously accused the UAE of supporting the Rapid Support Forces(RSF) which are led by Dagalo. Perhaps Ethiopian led initiatives have helped to ease tensions with the gulf state.
Both Abiy Ahmed and Mohammed bin Zayed share a critical perspective on Sudan’s previous regime led by General Al Bashir, aligning their interests in seeking a peaceful resolution. Addis Ababa sees the cessation of hostilities in Sudan as critical to its own security. The fact Egypt also seeks an end to the fighting in Sudan bodes well for peace.
The planned tripartite summit in Addis Ababa is viewed as a strategic move to comprehensively address the Sudan crisis. Bringing together these leaders aims to foster dialogue and cooperation, with the primary objective of de-escalating tensions and addressing urgent humanitarian needs in Sudan. From Ethiopia’s perspective, this diplomatic initiative also seeks to counteract negative external influences, notably Egypt’s contentious stance regarding the Renaissance Dam issue.
Egypt’s opposition to Ethiopia’s use of Nile waters for development, based on colonial-era water sharing agreements that helped it monopolize the river, has strained regional relations. Ethiopia asserts its sovereign right to harness its water resources for development, a position accompanied by Egypt’s historical resistance. This ongoing dispute has hindered broader peace initiatives, perpetuating regional discord. Experts and analysts contend Egypt has sought to perpetuate civil conflict in Ethiopia, in hopes of derailing the countries growing clout in the region.
The Addis Ababa summit holds significant promise for peace and stability in Sudan. By promoting a collaborative approach, the leaders aim to establish a precedent for resolving conflicts through diplomatic engagement, potentially laying the groundwork for sustainable regional stability and development.
