Sudan discusses reconstruction of key infrastructure with Egypt
April 7, 2025 (PORT SUDAN) – A senior member of Sudan’s ruling Sovereign Council discussed the rehabilitation of vital infrastructure, including bridges in Khartoum and the Merowe Dam, with Egypt’s ambassador on Monday, the council said.
Much of Khartoum’s infrastructure has been damaged during the ongoing conflict between the army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The RSF has also repeatedly attacked the Merowe Dam with drones, causing extensive damage to its power conversion stations. The dam is Sudan’s largest source of electricity.
The Sovereignty Council said in a statement that Ibrahim Jaber discussed reconstruction efforts with Egyptian Ambassador Hani Salah, focusing on Egypt’s commitment to repairing key infrastructure, “particularly the Al-Halfaya and Shambat bridges, and the Merowe Dam power station.”
The council added that the meeting also addressed developments in Sudan’s regions following advances by the army and allied forces, the situation on the African continent, the Horn of Africa, the Sahel and Sahara, and Red Sea security.
Discussions also covered the return of Sudanese citizens from Egypt and congestion at border crossings, the statement said.
The Abu Simbel area, a transit point for Sudanese entering Sudan via the Ashkit crossing in Wadi Halfa, has seen increased traffic as people return following the army’s recapture of Khartoum and Al-Jazirah state.
Some 72,000 Sudanese have returned this year, compared with 42,000 in the previous year, out of 1.5 million who fled to Egypt since the conflict erupted on April 15, 2023.
Egyptian Ambassador Salah said his country supported Sudan’s state institutions and that Cairo’s political leadership backed efforts to maintain peace and stability in Khartoum.
He added that the meeting with Jaber underscored Egypt’s serious intent to participate in reconstruction, particularly in the capital, including the Al-Halfaya and Shambat bridges, as well as the repair and maintenance of power stations, notably the Merowe Dam, and the provision of spare parts and technical expertise.
Sudan is seeking international support to rebuild water, electricity, and infrastructure facilities in Khartoum state to facilitate residents’ return.
Dutch envoy meets Sudanese official
Separately, Jaber met with the Dutch Chargé d’Affaires, Fiertch Ramsok, and praised the strong ties between Khartoum and Amsterdam, the council said.
The meeting covered the humanitarian and security situation in Sudan, developments on the ground, the problem of refugees and displaced people, the need for aid delivery, and facilitating the work of humanitarian personnel.
They also discussed “developments in London regarding the conference to be held on April 15 concerning Sudan and the expected role of civil society.”
Sudan has objected to the conference, which the European Union, Britain, France, and Germany plan to hold to coincide with the second anniversary of the conflict, to discuss the humanitarian crisis and mobilize support for the United Nations’ plan to assist 20.9 million people.
Ramsok said in a press statement that his visit was his first mission to Sudan, highlighting the “excellent relations” between Khartoum and Amsterdam.
He affirmed the Netherlands’ commitment to stability and security in Sudan, noting its positive impact on the region and its potential to reduce refugee flows.
Some 3.9 million Sudanese have fled abroad, while 11.6 million have been displaced internally since the conflict began. About 400,000 have returned to their homes after the army regained control of areas in Sennar, Al Jazirah, and Khartoum.