The Sudanese Prime Minister, Dr. Kamil Idris, recently concluded a successful two-day working visit to Eritrea. He led a high-level delegation for extensive talks with President Isaias Afwerki at State House, focusing on the enhancement of bilateral relations, efforts to resolve the devastating conflict in Sudan, and key regional and international issues.
Following his candid discussions with the Eritrean leadership, Prime Minister Dr. Kamil Idris sat down with Eri-TV’s Salahadin Hussien to share crucial insights into the visit, the ongoing conflict, and the future of cooperation between Asmara and Khartoum. Excerpts follow:
- Q: Your Excellency, during your visit, you met with President Isaias Afwerki and held joint discussions. Can you elaborate on the objectives and outcomes of this visit, and its role in strengthening bilateral cooperation?
A: Firstly, I must thank Eritrean TV and its viewers. Before answering, I want to clarify a fundamental point: the relations between the Republic of Sudan and Eritrea are historical and profound. This is the direct reason that compels us to strengthen these bonds. We came to Asmara at this time to extend our thanks, appreciation, and gratitude to the State of Eritrea—its President, government, and people—for the honorable positions Eritrea has taken in standing with Sudan and its people during these exceptional and overwhelming circumstances resulting from a war imposed on us. We also conveyed the sincere greetings and best wishes of the Chairman of the Sovereign Council, His Excellency President Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, to President Isaias Afwerki. This visit was therefore framed by gratitude and the consolidation of relations. Importantly, we used this opportunity to activate bilateral relations and joint committees. We decided to elevate and expand the existing political committee into a comprehensive economic one. We also discussed mutual interests and the establishment of strong, productive partnerships in the near future.
- Q: How do you view Eritrea’s role and efforts in resolving the Sudanese crisis and ending the tragic war?
A: Naturally, Eritrea is an important country in the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea region, occupying a crucial strategic location. Its regional and international stances have always played a significant role in shaping policy. With the charisma and insightful vision that President Isaias Afwerki possesses, along with his strong ideas and intelligent mechanisms, Eritrea has an important role to play. In all situations, Eritrea has stood firmly for what is right and has supported Sudan wholeheartedly. Eritrea understands well that the conspiracy woven against Sudan could be directed against all African countries, individually and collectively. Therefore, due to its geographical and strategic position and its just stance, Eritrea has a pivotal role in addressing this conflict.
- Q: Eritrea maintains that resolving the current Sudanese crisis can only be achieved through a Sudanese-Sudanese solution, supported by Sudan’s friends and neighbors. How do you view this principled position?
A: Correct, the solution must indeed be Sudanese- Sudanese. We have repeatedly emphasized on international and regional platforms that Sudan’s sovereignty, the constants of its people, and the prestige of the Sudanese state are red lines that cannot be crossed. As for peace, the Sudanese people are advocates of peace; we are not advocates of war, which was imposed on us. To achieve peace, we have a clear roadmap that has been submitted to the United Nations, the African Union, and other peace-seeking countries. This roadmap is explicit: it includes a ceasefire, the rebel militia’s disarmament, and their confinement to specific camps. We are open to dialogue and negotiation and have no objection to regional and international observers monitoring this tripartite vision. However, this conflict cannot be resolved without implementing this clear roadmap.
- Q: In many regional crises, external interventions play a negative role in deepening and fabricating problems. How is this manifested in the Sudanese case?
A: The flames of war in Sudan were ignited by foreign interventions, and we state this with utmost frankness. These interventions are ongoing and, unfortunately, target the inherent weaknesses of the African continent. We will not allow foreign interference in the future. This war has given us hard and valuable lessons from which we will surely benefit. We are aware of, monitoring, and controlling these external interventions—not only in Sudan. Sudan is just the beginning; the war will end, and peace will prevail. But we must warn that the African continent remains vulnerable to foreign conspiracies because of its vast resources—oil, minerals, and immense wealth. These riches attract international blocs seeking to exploit Africa unlawfully. Therefore, the continent must remain vigilant and learn from this war, which, though seemingly against Sudan, is in essence against all of Africa.
- Q: Eritrea and Sudan are both coastal states of the Red Sea. What joint efforts are planned to maintain the security and safety of this vital corridor?
A: The Red Sea is a crucial international waterway— commercially and strategically— making it a focal point of global competition. We are determined that the region should not become an arena for international conflict. We discussed with President Isaias Afwerki, a man of profound vision, about cooperation between Sudan and Eritrea in utilizing our shores in a legitimate, transparent, and mutually beneficial manner. This includes harnessing resources, minerals, fisheries, tourism, and mining to achieve economic and commercial benefits that serve both nations’ interests and strategic goals. As two coastal states, we will carry out these activities transparently and lawfully, under procedural controls acceptable to both countries and in accordance with international law.
- Q: You conducted a spontaneous tour with the President through the streets of Asmara. What are your impressions of this?
A: The inspection tour was, incidentally, spontaneous and unplanned. We interacted with the people—citizens of this nation, youth of various nationalities, and even Sudanese residents. It was a meaningful, positive, and lively experience. We felt the pulse of the street and its warmth. As His Excellency President Isaias Afwerki expressed so aptly, he said: “It is a statement through action—not through words, but through deeds.” The encounter was simple, spontaneous, and engaging. We were delighted by the people’s reaction to us, and they too were pleased by our interaction.
- Thank you, Your Excellency, Dr. Kamil Idris. We hope to meet you again and that these dark clouds will soon clear from the skies of Sudan through the efforts of the Sudanese people and their friends. Thank you very much.