Egypt concerned over reported training of Sudan’s militia by neighboring state

NEW YORK – 21 February 2026: Egypt has warned that the alleged training and arming of Sudan’s militia by a neighboring country is enabling the militia to continue the “brutal campaign” against civilians.

Speaking at the United Nations Security Council, Egypt’s Permanent Representative Ihab Awad said documented reports indicate that one of Sudan’s neighboring states has established camps to train militia elements, facilitate their entry and arm them, helping the group to open a new front in eastern Sudan.

'Campaign Against Humanity'

Awad said the eastern region hosts tens of thousands of displaced people who fled fighting in western Sudan, warning that such support would enable the militia to continue its “fierce campaign against humanity and against the peaceful and unarmed Sudanese people, including girls, women and children.”

He stressed that providing militias with weapons in Sudan constitutes a war crime.

“It is as if even the crimes and atrocities the militia has committed have not satisfied its brutal instinct in targeting Sudanese civilians,” the Egyptian envoy said.

Awad further pointed to the recent visit of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights to Sudan, which he said exposed the gravity of violations committed by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

He noted the High Commissioner’s assessment that the militia’s use of sexual violence as a weapon constitutes a war crime.

Sudan Ceasefire Efforts

Awad reaffirmed Cairo’s participation in diplomatic tracks aimed at reaching a political solution in Sudan, adding that Egypt categorically rejects the establishment of any parallel entities that threaten Sudan’s unity and territorial integrity.

Awad noted that Egypt is working through the Quartet mechanism, which includes the United States, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, to reach a comprehensive humanitarian truce leading to a permanent nationwide ceasefire and the creation of safe corridors to protect civilians.

He added that the Quartet is currently consulting among its members, in coordination with the United Nations, to determine the parameters and details of a humanitarian truce agreement aimed at alleviating the suffering of the Sudanese people.