Sudan faces border tensions with Ethiopia and internal political disputes

Sudan is facing dual pressures from escalating border tensions with Ethiopia and internal political division regarding peace initiatives. Sudanese deputy leader Malik Agar stated that Khartoum does not seek military confrontation with Ethiopia, despite recent accusations from Sudanese military officials. Specifically, Lt. Gen. Yasser al-Atta alleged that Ethiopia has allowed the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) to launch drone operations from Ethiopian territory to pursue interests along the border.

Domestically, the Sudanese Communist Party has rejected the “Sudanese-Sudanese dialogue” initiative backed by army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan. The party argues that holding political talks while military operations continue is ineffective and accused the Port Sudan authorities of attempting to use the process to gain political cover.

Meanwhile, the regional bloc IGAD has not yet publicly endorsed the Port Sudan-led initiative. While Sudanese officials requested IGAD support for the internal dialogue to avoid foreign interference, the organization continues to participate in a broader international track alongside the African Union, United Nations, European Union, and Arab League to facilitate a more inclusive political process.