Egypt reiterates support for Sudan, as killings compared to Rwanda genocide

Egypt has reaffirmed its support for Sudan amid ongoing atrocities carried out by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in the country, while civilians remain trapped, starved, and facing severe violence.

Cairo’s minister of foreign affairs, Badr Abdelatty, held talks in Sudan on Tuesday with the country’s de-facto leader and army chief, Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, before later releasing a statement saying Egypt is in "full solidarity with Sudan, and support for its stability, security, sovereignty and territorial integrity".

He went on to stress Egypt’s "denunciation of the violations and horrors in el-Fahser".

The minister added that Cairo has been in contact with key players and are trying to come to an agreement that will end the hostilities and implement a comprehensive ceasefire.

The latest developments come as Burhan has reportedly rejected a proposed meeting mediated by the US and Egypt, which would see him meet face-to-face with his rival, RSF commander General Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo, also known as Hemedti.

As efforts to reach a ceasefire or a calming of the conflict stall, aid organisations and experts have raised serious alarm over the conditions civilians face in el-Fasher and other parts of Sudan.

Sheldon Yett, UNICEF envoy to Sudan, compared the current situation to the Rwanda genocide in the 1990s.

In an interview with the German magazine Der Spiegel, he said that "much of what is happening now in parts of Sudan reminds me of that [Rwanda], reports of rioting, killing, targeting acts of violence are being committed against different ethnic groups".

"Accounts from survivors are shocking: murder, extortion, exorbitant sums to escape…there is a complete breakdown of all forms of order. Sudan has become a testing ground for modern warfare," he continued.

Current estimates suggest that the war between the Sudanese army and the RSF has killed around 150,000 people over two years. Violence spiked earlier this month again, when the RSF announced their takeover of El-Fasher, the largest city of the Darfur region.

Thousands of people were killed in summary executions by RSF fighters.

Yett said that hundreds of thousands of people are trapped in el-Fasher with little to no resources.

"They are eating grass and animal fodder. Many are dying of hunger or lack of humanitarian aid and medicine," he explained.

Various rights groups have noted that humanitarian efforts are constantly thwarted by ongoing attacks on drivers and trucks.

The International Organisation for Migration said this week that around 90,000 people had left el-Fasher and surrounding areas in recent weeks.

Satellite imagery has shown large pools of blood in el-Fasher following the RSF takeover, while footage published by an RSF fighter has also shown civilians being shot dead.

Even those who leave face several challenges, including unsafe routes, food insecurity, attacks and no medical assistance.

In recent weeks, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has come under fierce international criticism for supporting the RSF, with reports also stating they supplied the weapons which were used to seize el-Fasher.