Sisi, Haftar discuss Sudan stability, border security in Cairo
December 8, 2025 (CAIRO) – Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi met with eastern Libyan commander Khalifa Haftar in Cairo on Monday, where the two leaders emphasized that the stability of war-torn Sudan is directly linked to the national security of both Egypt and Libya.
The meeting, attended by Egypt’s Intelligence Chief Hassan Rashad and Haftar’s sons—Saddam and Khaled, who hold senior military positions—focused on regional challenges, with a particular emphasis on the conflict in Sudan.
“It was agreed on the importance of intensifying international and regional efforts to reach a peaceful settlement that preserves Sudan’s stability, sovereignty and territorial integrity,” the Egyptian presidency said in a statement.
The talks come as Cairo seeks to secure its western border and prevent the spillover of Sudan’s conflict, which has displaced millions and drawn in regional actors. Sisi and Haftar discussed the “shared maritime borders” and the need for cooperation that serves both nations without violating international law.
Sisi also reiterated his call for the withdrawal of all foreign forces and mercenaries from Libya and expressed support for holding simultaneous presidential and parliamentary elections to end Libya’s decade-long political stalemate.
Regional mediation efforts
The discussions build on Egypt’s broader efforts to mediate the complex dynamics involving Sudan’s warring parties and their neighbours.
In June 2025, President Sisi reportedly organised a meeting in Alalmein between Haftar and the President of Sudan’s Sovereign Council, General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan. The talks aimed to address tensions arising from reports that the Rapid Support Forces (RSF)—which have been fighting the Sudanese army since April 2023—were receiving logistical support through Haftar-controlled territory in eastern Libya.
While officials at the time did not publicly disclose the details of the encounter, sources indicated the meeting was part of Cairo’s push to halt the flow of weapons across the “border triangle” between Egypt, Libya, and Sudan, and to unify regional stances on the Sudanese crisis.