Egypt says entitled to take measures to defend its Sudan ‘red lines,’ cites joint defence pact

CAIRO – 18 December 2025: Egypt said on Thursday there are “red lines” that cannot be crossed or compromised as they directly affect its national security, which it said is inseparably linked to Sudan’s national security.

In a presidential statement issued during a visit by President of Sudan's Transitional Sovereign Council General Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan to Cairo, Egypt said preserving Sudan’s unity, territorial integrity and national resources is among its most important “red lines.”

This includes rejecting the secession of any part of Sudan’s territory, the Presidency said.

Egypt reiterated its categorical rejection of the creation of, or recognition of, any parallel entities, saying such moves would undermine Sudan’s unity and territorial integrity.

Preserving Sudanese state institutions and preventing any harm to them, the Presidency emphasized, “constitute another red line for Egypt.”

Egypt said it reserves its full right to take all necessary measures guaranteed by international law and the joint defence agreement between the two countries to ensure these red lines are not breached.

The Presidency also renewed Egypt’s full support for US President Donald Trump’s vision to achieve security, stability and peace in Sudan, within his broader approach to promote peace, avoid escalation and resolve disputes worldwide.

Egypt said it is following with deep concern the continued escalation and severe tension in Sudan, and the resulting “horrific massacres and flagrant violations of the most basic human rights against Sudanese civilians, particularly in El Fasher.”

The Presidency reiterated Egypt’s commitment to continuing work within the framework of the international Quad framework to reach a humanitarian truce leading to a ceasefire, including the establishment of safe havens and humanitarian corridors to provide security and protection for Sudanese civilians, in full coordination with Sudanese state institutions.

War in Sudan

The war in Sudan, ongoing since 2023, has killed scores of civilians and plunged the African country into what the UN described as one of the world's worst humanitarian crises.

Approximately half of the 50-million population in Sudan is currently facing extreme levels of hunger, according to the UN.

Figures of casualties vary but some sources estimate that over 150,000 people are estimated to have been killed since the start of the war.

The UN also estimated last month that 12 million Sudanese people have been displaced by the conflict so far.

El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur in western Sudan, has been at the center of ongoing violence and humanitarian distress over the past two years.

The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) militia, which has been battling the Sudanese Armed Forces since April 2023, captured El Fasher in October after 18 months of siege, reportedly killing hundreds of civilians.

Trump said in November that the United States will work with Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and other regional partners to bring the war in Sudan to an end.

The four countries form a Quad mechanism working to secure a three-month humanitarian truce, followed by a permanent ceasefire and a nine-month transition to a civilian-led government.