Sudan’s ex-foreign minister says ‘lack of freedom’ prompted his departure
October 4, 2025 (PORT SUDAN) – Sudan’s former foreign minister, Ali Youssif, said on Saturday he struggled to manage the country’s diplomacy in a climate that lacked freedom for differing views, a key reason for his departure from government.
Youssif, who was dismissed in April after less than six months in the role, said in an interview with Al Jazeera TV that he had asked to be relieved of his duties to avoid causing “problems with other parties in power.”
“I faced very great difficulty in managing foreign affairs in the way I understand it,” Youssif said. “At one point, I felt it was difficult to continue working in a climate where an official lacks the freedom to have their own positions or differing views.”
He added that a foreign minister should not be merely “a photo for the cameras.”
In the interview, Youssif also urged the army to pursue peace talks to end the country’s long-running conflict, revealing that its commander, Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, had previously approved mediation initiatives from Egypt, Turkey, Saudi Arabia and the Arab League.
He called for positive engagement with a roadmap proposed by the Quad—the United States, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and the UAE—which aims to secure a humanitarian truce ahead of a political process.
Youssif defended the inclusion of the United Arab Emirates in the peace efforts, despite its alleged support for the army’s rivals, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
“If we want to find a solution to the crisis, the UAE must be present, as it has a role in supporting the RSF militia,” he said.
The former diplomat downplayed the government’s objection to referring to the army and RSF as “warring parties,” calling it an unavoidable international term that does not imply equality.
He argued that a purely military solution was unlikely, noting that while the army has had successes, the RSF still controls large territories. “All wars have ended with negotiations and peace agreements,” he said.
Youssif outlined his conditions for peace, including the formation of a single national army and the temporary removal from politics of those who started the conflict.
He also called for an inclusive “Sudanese-Sudanese dialogue,” warning that political exclusion has historically caused wars in the country.
“The Islamists are currently in power and in Sudan,” Youssif said. “Therefore, we are against excluding others who are outside of power and Sudan.”
Pro-democracy and anti-war political forces in Sudan reject the participation of the former regime’s elements and their affiliates in any future political process.