A London-hosted summit on Sudan ended without agreement this week, as rifts between key Arab states derailed consensus.
The United Arab Emirates, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia clashed over Sudan’s future governance, casting doubt on peace efforts to end a brutal two-year war.
UAE diplomat Lana Nusseibeh expressed disappointment, blaming the failure to issue a joint communiqué on lack of unity.
She stressed the urgency for Sudan to transition to a civilian-led government, a point of contention among Arab participants.
General Abdul Fattah al Burhan’s army and Sudan’sRapid Support Forces (RSF) enjoy regional backing, making Arab cooperation vital for peace.
Yet, sources said Egypt resisted calls for a civilian government, favoring a phased approach focused first on ending the conflict.
Disagreements also arose over language seen as legitimizing Burhan’s regime, supported by Egypt but rejected by the UAE.
Saudi Arabia sided with Egypt, intensifying the standoff and ultimately sinking any hopes of a unified diplomatic message.
Burbank-led government protested the UAE’s participation, accusing it of backing the RSF—claims the Gulf state denies.
The RSF is currently consolidating control over western Sudan.
Thirteen million people have been displaced, and the country faces widespread hunger, disease, and deepening chaos.
Efforts to establish peace remain elusive, as divisions among Arab powers cast a long shadow over Sudan’s future.
