Sudan Needs Rapprochement, Arab Majors Can Bring it on

The internecine fighting in Sudan between its Army and RSF is obviously a matter of much concern.

The country, not in great shape to begin with, is crumbling. It is known that external supporters fuel the fire aligning themselves behind either Gen Abdel Fattah al-Burhan of the Army or Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo of RSF. Egypt has sympathies with the former and the latter apparently gets a helping hand from the UAE.

So any hope for a resolution of the conflict should involve these Arab powers. This is a strife unfolding in the Arab heartland – hence presents an opportunity for an Arab solution devoid of the usual suspects in international peacemaking. The action leading to peace should start outside Sudan, not within. Three Arab countries – Egypt, UAE and Saudi Arabia – should join hands to make a deal. Indeed the bickering men from Sudan should be summoned for a 5 party meeting at, say, Jeddah. Cairo and Abu Dhabi may direct their respective acolytes to immediately stop fighting. It will be in order to dispatch a joint Arab force (resembling the alliance that fought in Yemen against Houthis) to Sudan as peacekeepers – followed of course by a time bound election and transfer to a civilian government.

It may appear as a climb down for the powers involved to ask their followers, whom they have been backing so far in the nefarious actions, to turn peaceniks overnight and lay down all the dear arms. But being enlightened leaders, they should think long term and holistically. This is an opportunity that the Arab world should not squander. The Arab League with its myriad of problems may be of little use, but the 3 Arab nations can buttress their leadership positions which should be a welcome outcome for them. Important to note that the trio has the defense capability to implement such a deal on the ground. Any civilian government coming out of such an operation will not take up the cudgels for political islam – detested by most of the Arab/GCC nations – even if those elements are part of the emerging set up.

The US indeed can extend logistical assistance to the entire operation. They get one more democratic government – not many in Africa – and by keeping out Wagner type elements from Sudan, the friendly government of neighboring Chad gains better protection from destabilization.

If all concerned could cure myopia and get the lens of distant vision!