CAIRO: Egypt is attempting to mediate between Sudan’s warring factions, hosting a regional summit on Thursday, the latest in a series of international efforts to prevent the outbreak of civil war and the deepening of a humanitarian crisis.
Fighting between Sudan’s army and paramilitary Rapid Support Forces broke out in the capital Khartoum in April, and has spread westward to the fragile Darfur and Kordofan regions.
More than 1,000 civilians have been killed and 3 million people have been displaced, according to the United Nations, which warns of a growing hunger crisis.
The United States and Saudi Arabia had negotiated a series of cease-fires, but suspended talks after violations. Earlier this week, Ethiopia hosted a regional East African summit, but the army boycotted, claiming Kenya, the lead sponsor, was biased.
Egypt, which has historically close ties with the Sudanese army, invited Sudan’s neighbors to the Thursday summit.
The aims of the summit are to stave off foreign interference and influence in the fighting, two Egyptian security sources said, and to ultimately launch a process to achieve a peaceful agreement to stop the fighting.
That plan aims to achieve a three-month cease-fire and open aid pathways amid a series of meetings with military and tribal leaders, the sources said.
Previous one-day and multi-day cease-fires were quickly violated, and were described by the UN special envoy Volker Perthes as an opportunity for the forces to re-position.
Speaking on Wednesday, he described mediation attempts as “emergency diplomacy.”
“The two warring parties still think they can win the war so they accept diplomatic initiatives when they think it can help their aims,” he said.
Among the African leaders attending is Ethiopian prime minister Abiy Ahmed, whose country has clashed with Egypt over its construction of a giant dam on the Blue Nile.
He met Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi on Wednesday, after last week saying the fourth filling of the dam this summer would be delayed and would ensure Sudan and Egypt would receive enough water, a conciliatory move after years of tension.
Egypt to launch fresh Sudan mediation attempt during summit
https://arab.news/zjnrt
Egypt to launch fresh Sudan mediation attempt during summit
- More than 1,000 civilians have been killed and 3 million people have been displaced due to the fighting
- Saudi Arabia and the US had negotiated a series of cease-fires, but suspended talks after violations
Saudi Arabia’s Surj Sports Investment partners with Enfield Investment to boost global portfolio
- Surj, established in 2023, is dedicated to fostering growth in the global sports sector and building a robust sporting ecosystem in Saudi Arabia and the wider Middle East
WASHINGTON: Saudi Arabia’s Surj Sports Investment Co. signed a strategic partnership agreement on Monday with US-based Enfield Investment Partners to expand and enhance investments in the global sports sector.
The partnership follows EIP’s recent launch of a $4 billion global fund aimed at investing in sports assets.
The two companies plan to explore opportunities in key areas, including clubs, leagues, media rights, and sports infrastructure, a statement issued on Monday said.
Surj, established in 2023, is dedicated to fostering growth in the global sports sector and building a robust sporting ecosystem in Saudi Arabia and the wider Middle East.
The company’s strategy focuses on direct investments in sports events and activities to enhance fan engagement and regional sports participation.
“We are delighted to partner with EIP, which has demonstrated a bold vision with the launch of its new sports assets fund,” said Surj CEO Danny Townsend.
“This collaboration marks a significant milestone in Surj’s journey to expand its presence in the American market and foster transformative investments in the global sports sector,” he added.
Jake Silverstein, co-founder and chairman of EIP, echoed Townsend’s sentiments.
“The launch of our Global Sports Assets Fund marks the beginning of an exciting chapter. Partnering with Surj Sports Investment enables us to align our shared vision for advancing the future of the sports industry,” he said.
As part of the collaboration, EIP plans to establish a regional headquarters in Riyadh to complement its Washington base, reflecting the partnership’s commitment to fostering growth in Saudi Arabia and beyond.
“The Kingdom’s extraordinary transformation is reshaping the global sports landscape,” Silverstein added. “Through this partnership, we aim to create meaningful and lasting impact, leveraging the resources and expertise of both parties to drive innovation and growth.”
The agreement highlights Saudi Arabia’s growing influence in the global sports arena, which has culminated in the Kingdom’s successful bid to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup.
Greek PM visits AlUla during visit to Saudi Arabia
- Hegra features well-preserved monumental tombs with decorated facades dating from the 1st century BC to the 1st century AD
RIYADH: Greek Prime Minster Kyriakos Mitsotakis visited the historic Hegra region in AlUla on Monday, Saudi Press Agency reported.
The Hegra Archaeological Site is the first World Heritage property to be inscribed in Saudi Arabia. It is the largest conserved site of the civilization of the Nabataeans south of Petra in Jordan.
Hegra features well-preserved monumental tombs with decorated facades dating from the 1st century BC to the 1st century AD.
Mitsotakis visited Qasr Al-Farid, a tomb constructed around the 1st century CE, and Qasr Al-Bint, the most famous necropolis in Hegra. He also visited Mount Athlab, one of the main attractions in the AlUla region.
Israel army says intercepted projectile launched from Yemen
- Israeli military also intercepted a drone launched from Yemen on Monday
JERUSALEM: The Israeli military said it intercepted a projectile fired from Yemen on Monday before it crossed into Israeli territory, in the latest in a series of ongoing attacks.
“One projectile launched from Yemen was intercepted by the IAF (Israeli air force) prior to crossing into Israeli territory,” the military said in a statement.
Earlier on Monday the military said it had also intercepted a drone in southern Israel that was launched from Yemen.
Since the war in the Gaza Strip broke out in October 2023, the Iran-backed Houthi militants who control swathes of Yemen have repeatedly fired missiles and drones at Israel in what they say is a show of solidarity with the Palestinians.
In retaliation, Israel has struck Houthi targets several times inside Yemen, including in the Houthi-controlled capital Sanaa.
Pakistan army chief vows to root out militancy on visit to troubled northwest
- Pakistan has struggled to contain militancy in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, since its truce with Pakistani Taliban broke down in 2022
- Islamabad has frequently accused Afghanistan of supporting militant groups that launch cross-border attacks, Kabul denies the allegation
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s army chief, Gen Asim Munir, on Monday promised to eliminate militancy from the South Asian country, the military said, as the army commander visited the northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province that has witnessed a surge in attacks in recent months.
Pakistan has struggled to contain surging militancy in KP, which borders Afghanistan, since a fragile truce between the Pakistani Taliban and the state broke down in November 2022. The TTP and other militant groups have frequently targeted security forces convoys and check-posts, besides targeted killings and kidnappings of law enforcers and government officials in recent months.
On Monday, Gen. Munir visited the provincial capital of Peshawar, where he was given a briefing on the prevailing security situation and the ongoing counter-terrorism operations in the region, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the military’s media wing.
“The enemy may try to sow discord and fear, but we will not relent. Hostile elements will be dealt with an iron hand,” he was quoted as saying by the ISPR. “They will continue to suffer heavy losses, and their capacity to inflict harm will be decimated.”
The army chief said that any attempt to disturb the peace of the nation would be met with “decisive and overwhelming force,” praising the unwavering resolve and sacrifices of armed forces and law enforcement agencies
“Through their dedication, courage, and supreme sacrifices, we have successfully degraded the operational capabilities of terrorist organizations, both within our borders and beyond,” he said.
“Our forces have relentlessly pursued and eliminated key terrorist leaders, dismantled their infrastructure, and neutralized their cells, sending a clear message that terror has no place in our land. This war is ongoing and we would take it to its logical conclusion.”
The visit by the army chief came two days after Pakistani security forces killed nine militants in two separate engagements in KP’s North Waziristan district, which borders Afghanistan.
Islamabad has frequently blamed the surge in militancy on Afghanistan, accusing it of sheltering and supporting militant groups that launch cross-border attacks. Afghan officials deny involvement and insist that Pakistan’s security issues are an internal matter of Islamabad.
Separately, Gen. Munir interacted with members of various political parties, including Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, in Peshawar.
“The political representatives showed vivid clarity on unflinching support of the armed forces and LEAs in nation’s fight against terror and agreed on the need for a unified front beyond political colors against the extremist philosophy of terrorist groups,” the ISPR added.
Iraqi PM outlines vision for UK relations ahead of official visit
- Mohammed Al-Sudani will meet with King Charles, PM Keir Starmer
- Visit ‘reflects my government’s commitment to strengthening the strategic partnership’
LONDON: Iraq’s prime minister has called for bolstering economic, trade and security ties with the UK ahead of an official visit to the country.
Mohammed Al-Sudani will arrive in London on Jan. 13 and will meet with King Charles, Prime Minister Keir Starmer and senior British officials.
Writing in the Telegraph on Sunday, Al-Sudani said the visit “reflects my government’s commitment to strengthening the strategic partnership between Iraq and the UK.”
He warned that it comes amid “unprecedented and escalating events in the Middle East” that threaten the region and the wider world.
Al-Sudani wrote that regional and international solidarity will ensure that the “free will and aspirations of the Syrian people are respected.”
He praised the UK’s support for Iraq’s fight against Daesh, and said the bilateral relationship had significantly transformed in recent decades.
“Today, as our country achieves greater levels of security and stability, the time has come to transition to a new phase of sustainable economic partnership,” he added.
Al-Sudani will aim to attract British investment in Iraqi energy infrastructure during his visit. It is part of a larger plan to establish Iraq as an international trade hub.
“We will continue to encourage more British investments in oil and gas, as well as in renewable energy projects, recognizing the importance of diversifying energy sources and addressing environmental challenges in the long term,” he wrote.
Al-Sudani highlighted banking reform as another area of potential cooperation with the UK, whose financial institutions and expertise can “improve government services and enhance administrative efficiency.”
He added: “We are determined to channel investments into developing education and training to equip young Iraqis with the skills required to meet the demands of the next phase of development.”
Counterterrorism efforts involving the UK could protect both domestic and regional stability, Al-Sudani said, adding that Iraq could benefit from British military industries.
“My upcoming meetings in London carry a clear message: Iraq is committed to building partnerships based on shared interests and forward-looking vision,” he said.
“We seek a global partner with political and economic weight, and the UK is well-positioned to play this vital role as we embark on a new chapter of growth and reconstruction.”
The Iraqi delegation to the UK includes ministers, MPs, Basra’s governor and representatives from the private sector.
