Egypt, Saudi foreign ministers call for militia withdrawal from Sudan cities

February 1, 2026 (CAIRO) – Egypt and Saudi Arabia’s foreign ministers called for armed militias to withdraw from Sudanese cities to ensure civilian safety, the Egyptian foreign ministry said on Sunday.

Badr Abdelatty and his Saudi counterpart, Prince Faisal bin Farhan, discussed the conflict in Sudan during a phone call, exchanging views on supporting a political path and reaching a ceasefire.

The ministry statement did not name the militias, but a Sudanese government initiative to end the war includes the withdrawal of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) from cities under its control. The plan proposes moving RSF fighters to camps in South and East Darfur and the handover of heavy weapons.

The RSF currently controls most of the five states in the Darfur region, large areas of Kordofan and has a presence in Blue Nile.

The ministers emphasized the need for safe humanitarian corridors, specifically citing the situation in El Fasher. The RSF seized the historic Darfur capital on Oct. 26 after a nearly two-year siege. International organizations have since reported widespread violations in the city, including war crimes and ethnic cleansing.

The two officials called for a swift humanitarian truce to pave the way for a comprehensive ceasefire and a Sudanese-led political process.

Egypt reaffirmed its support for Sudan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, adding that state institutions should not be equated with armed militias.