Türkiye mediates tensions between Sudan and UAE, offering dialogue framework
Sudan’s Transitional Sovereignty Council leader, Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. (AA Photo)
Türkiye has stepped in to help mediate tensions between Sudan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), echoing its earlier role in defusing regional disputes in the Horn of Africa.
Turkish Deputy Foreign Minister Burhanettin Duran traveled to Port Sudan, with sources indicating that Ankara aims to present a dialogue framework to both sides.
Why it matters
Sudan and the UAE have been at odds over several issues, including the ongoing internal conflict in Sudan.
Türkiye’s mediation efforts demonstrate Ankara’s broader regional ambitions to foster peace and stability.
A successful initiative could strengthen Türkiye’s position as a key diplomatic actor in the Middle East and North Africa.
Details
- High-level meetings:
- Burhanettin Duran is expected to deliver a document outlining Ankara’s proposals for dialogue.
- These proposals will then be shared with the UAE.
- Positions of parties:
- The UAE Foreign Ministry welcomed Türkiye’s initiative and signaled readiness to coordinate.
- Sudan remains committed to the Jeddah Declaration (reached on May 11, 2023) as the basis for conflict resolution but also reserves the option for a decisive military victory if necessary.
- Sudanese response:
- Sudanese officials emphasize that any mediation must align with the country’s interests and reflect its military posture.
- Sudan’s Foreign Minister, Ali Yusuf, regards Duran’s visit as an important step toward strengthening bilateral ties and underscores Türkiye’s keen interest in Sudan’s stability.
Zoom in
The mediation effort follows a Dec. 13 phone call between President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Sudan’s Transitional Sovereignty Council leader, Abdel Fattah al-Burhan.
Ankara previously signaled its readiness to help de-escalate tensions and end Sudan’s civil war, suggesting that Türkiye views diplomatic engagement as a strategic opportunity in the region.
Zoom out
Since mid-April 2023, Sudan has been embroiled in conflict stemming from a power struggle between the regular army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
While Khartoum says it welcomes “sincere initiatives” to end the conflict, it remains wary of accommodating the RSF in the long term.
Against this backdrop, Türkiye’s involvement highlights its expanding influence in the region and tests whether Ankara’s diplomacy can secure a lasting resolution to Sudan’s internal war and its strained ties with the UAE.
