Sudan's head of sovereign council, Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, arrived in the Egyptian city of El Alamein on October 4, 2026, at the invitation of Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi. The summit aimed to discuss security and stability in the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea. The meeting brought together leaders from Egypt, Sudan, Eritrea, and Somalia to address pressing regional issues. The summit's discussions focused on enhancing cooperation and addressing shared concerns.
During his visit, al-Burhan held a bilateral meeting with President el-Sisi, where they discussed developments in Sudan and ways to strengthen relations between the two countries. According to the Egyptian presidency, el-Sisi expressed his country's support for the Sudanese people and emphasized the importance of Sudan's unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. Al-Burhan appreciated Egypt's supportive stance and acknowledged the significant humanitarian and political assistance provided by Egypt.
The quadripartite summit resulted in the issuance of a joint statement, known as the El Alamein Declaration. The declaration emphasized respect for the sovereignty and independence of nations, rejected interference in internal affairs, and supported national institutions. The leaders also stressed the need for peaceful and political solutions to conflicts. Sudan's security and stability were a major focus of the summit, with the participating countries reaffirming their support for Sudan's unity and territorial integrity.
The El Alamein Declaration also addressed the issue of the Red Sea, with the leaders emphasizing the importance of freedom of navigation and the need for coastal states to take responsibility for governing the sea. The declaration highlighted the significance of security and stability in the Red Sea, the Gulf of Aden, and the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait. The leaders' emphasis on this issue reflects the growing regional concern about the security of maritime trade routes.
Water security was another key topic discussed during the summit. The El Alamein Declaration reiterated the importance of respecting international law regarding transboundary rivers, including the principles of non-harm and prior notification. The leaders rejected any unilateral actions that could harm the existing water usage rights of Egypt and Sudan. This issue is a longstanding concern for Egypt and Sudan, particularly in the context of the Ethiopian Grand Renaissance Dam.
The summit also addressed the situation in Somalia, with the leaders expressing support for Somalia's unity and sovereignty. They rejected any actions that could undermine Somalia's territorial integrity and refused to recognize or support the self-proclaimed "Somaliland." The leaders encouraged the Somali government to continue its efforts to combat terrorism and establish stability in the country.
The quadripartite summit concluded with an agreement to establish a follow-up mechanism to implement the outcomes of the meeting. The leaders decided to hold the summit periodically, as needed, to enhance consultation and coordination among the participating countries. This agreement aims to establish a framework for regular regional coordination on issues such as security, stability, and economic cooperation.
Key points
- The summit emphasized the importance of regional cooperation in addressing security and stability challenges in the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea.
- The El Alamein Declaration reaffirmed the participating countries' support for Sudan's unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.
- The summit highlighted the need for a peaceful and political solution to the conflict in Sudan and the region.
