The Egyptian presidency declared its full right to activate the joint defense agreement with Sudan during Transitional Sovereignty Council Chair Abdel Fattah al-Burhan's visit to Cairo, in response to threats against Sudanese state institutions and Egypt's national security. RSF sources described the move as tantamount to a declaration of war and are monitoring developments with caution. This comes amid Egypt's growing involvement in Sudan's war since its outbreak.
Abdel Fattah al-Burhan arrived in Cairo on Thursday, December 18, where he met President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi to discuss developments in Sudan, avenues for political and security cooperation, and Egypt's role in ending the war. In an official statement, the Egyptian presidency outlined 'red lines' including the preservation of Sudan's unity, territorial integrity, and national resources, rejecting any attempts at secession or creating parallel entities. It affirmed Egypt's 'full right to take all measures permitted under international law and the joint defense agreement' to ensure these lines are not crossed.
The joint defense agreement dates to 1976 and was updated with security and military protocols in 2021, covering joint training, border security, expertise exchange, and exercises like the Nile Eagles 2 air drill in Sudan and Guardian of the South-1 border guards drill in Egypt. A former Sudanese intelligence official told Mada Masr that the agreement is already in force, operating through graduated phases based on threat magnitude.
Since the war's outbreak in April 2023, Egypt has supported the Sudanese army, including unannounced airstrikes in October 2024 that aided retaking key sites in Sennar State. Following Fasher's fall to the RSF in late October, coordination with Turkey expanded to cut supply routes from southeastern Libya, involving Turkish drone strikes with logistical support from Egyptian and Sudanese airbases.
An RSF source in the paramilitary's legal advisory office said the group is aware of Egypt's backing for the army but warned that shifting from covert to overt involvement would amount to a declaration of war. RSF leader Mohamed Hamdan 'Hemedti' Dagalo renewed calls for direct dialogue with Cairo instead of military intervention. RSF sources viewed activating the agreement as unilateral moves undermining political settlement, urging neighbors to pressure Burhan to halt fighting.
After Burhan's return, Sudanese Deputy Foreign Minister Muawiya Osman Khaled confirmed discussions on activating the pact to address regional security challenges. The visit is part of a broader regional diplomatic push, including mid-December meetings with Saudi Crown Prince Mohamed bin Salman and Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki, described by sources as a tripartite axis to manage war spillovers, particularly along the Red Sea.
