Sudan Calls for End to Foreign Interference at Antalya Diplomacy Forum

Antalya, April 17, 2026 - Sudan’s Foreign Minister, Mohieddin Salem, has called for an end to foreign interference and the influx of foreign fighters, warning that both are major drivers of the country’s ongoing conflict and key obstacles to peace. Speaking on the sidelines of the Antalya Diplomacy Forum in Turkey, Salem outlined the government’s vision for resolving the crisis, centered on a comprehensive peace initiative submitted to the United Nations Security Council. The plan emphasizes a ceasefire, the protection of civilians, and the restoration of state institutions, while reaffirming Sudan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. In discussions with the European Union envoy for the Horn of Africa, Anita Weber, Salem stressed the importance of addressing the root causes of the conflict as a prerequisite for long-term stability. The EU representative reiterated support for de-escalation efforts and highlighted the need for coordinated international action to achieve a humanitarian truce as a step toward a permanent ceasefire. Salem also held talks with senior officials from the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), focusing on regional security risks linked to the spread of mercenaries and the broader implications of the Sudanese crisis for the Horn of Africa. The Foreign Minister emphasized that improving the humanitarian situation remains a top priority, calling for armed groups to withdraw from civilian areas in Darfur and Kordofan to facilitate aid delivery and enable the safe return of displaced populations. He also welcomed plans by IGAD to deploy a high-level delegation to Khartoum and reopen its office in the capital. Addressing a high-level panel on Africa’s future, Salem noted that while the continent is rich in natural resources, these assets can also fuel conflict and external competition. He pointed to Sudan’s ongoing war as a stark illustration of how resource wealth can attract foreign involvement and intensify instability.