Sudan’s army chief meets Egyptian intelligence head to discuss security, aid

January 24, 2026 (PORT SUDAN) – Sudan’s Sovereign Council Chairman Abdel Fattah al-Burhan met Egypt’s intelligence chief Hassan Mahmoud Rashad in Port Sudan on Saturday to discuss security cooperation and humanitarian aid operations, the council said.

Rashad arrived in Sudan earlier in the day for talks with Burhan, who also serves as army commander-in-chief, according to a statement from the council’s media office.

The meeting addressed bilateral relations, counter-terrorism efforts, and Red Sea security, as well as arrangements to facilitate relief operations and the safe delivery of aid in Sudan, the statement said.

The visit coincides with Western media reports that Saudi Arabia is seeking to counter expanding Emirati influence in the Red Sea and Horn of Africa region. Analysts say Riyadh has moved to form a military alliance with Egypt and Somalia that could sideline Abu Dhabi on regional issues, including the Sudan conflict.

Saudi Arabia and Egypt have supported the Sudanese army and sought to disrupt suspected supply lines to the rival Rapid Support Forces (RSF) via eastern Libya, according to regional diplomats. The UAE has been accused of supporting the RSF, which it denies.

Burhan visited Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Turkey in October and December to secure military supplies for the army, which has been battling the RSF across the Kordofan and Darfur regions.