Türkiye has accelerated its efforts to mediate tensions between Sudan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) while seeking to end Sudan’s internal conflict. Turkish Deputy Foreign Minister Burhanettin Duran visited Port Sudan to hold extensive talks with Sudanese officials as part of Türkiye’s peace initiative.
This visit followed a phone call on December 13 between President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Sudan’s Transitional Sovereignty Council Chairman Abdel Fattah al-Burhan. During the call, Erdoğan expressed Türkiye’s readiness to mediate between Sudan and the UAE to resolve their differences.
During his visit, Duran presented a document outlining Türkiye’s peace proposals to the Sudanese government, which will later be shared with the UAE. Sudan’s Foreign Minister Ali Yusuf highlighted the importance of Türkiye’s initiative, emphasizing the growing bilateral ties between the two nations. Yusuf also commended Türkiye’s solidarity with the Sudanese people and its commitment to addressing the country’s crises.
Sudan’s Finance Minister Jibril Ibrahim expressed his country’s interest in strengthening economic cooperation with Türkiye. Ibrahim highlighted the need for joint efforts to enhance collaboration in energy, agriculture, and trade. He also discussed the resumption of Turkish Airlines flights to Sudan and thanked Türkiye for its humanitarian support during the ongoing war.
UAE and Türkiye’s Approach to the Peace Initiative
The UAE welcomed Türkiye’s mediation offer, expressing readiness to cooperate in efforts to end the Sudanese conflict. However, Sudan emphasized that any peace negotiations must adhere to the Jeddah Declaration signed on May 11, 2023, between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Sudan’s leadership reaffirmed its refusal to coexist with RSF and its supporters, describing them as a threat to national unity and security.
Türkiye’s Broader Efforts in Africa
Türkiye’s initiative to mediate between Sudan and the UAE is seen as a crucial step toward fostering stability in the region. This effort reflects Türkiye’s broader commitment to peace and cooperation in Africa. In December, Türkiye successfully mediated disputes between Somalia and Ethiopia, further demonstrating its diplomatic capabilities.
Sudan’s ongoing war has claimed over 20,000 lives and displaced millions. Türkiye’s mediation efforts not only offer a potential pathway to peace in Sudan but also contribute to regional stability and security.