Sudan urges end to foreign interference at Antalya Diplomacy Forum
April 17, 2026 (ANTALYA, Turkey) – Sudan’s Foreign Minister Mohieddin Salem on Friday called for an end to foreign interference and the flow of foreign fighters, describing them as primary factors fueling the nation’s conflict and obstructing peace efforts.
Speaking with the European Union envoy for the Horn of Africa, Anita Weber, on the sidelines of the Antalya Diplomacy Forum, Salem outlined the government’s vision for a comprehensive solution. This plan is based on a peace initiative submitted by the Prime Minister to the UN Security Council in December.
The government initiative focuses on a ceasefire, civilian protection, and the restoration of state institutions while emphasizing Sudanese sovereignty and territorial integrity. Salem stressed that addressing the root causes of the crisis remains essential for stability.
The EU envoy expressed the bloc’s commitment to supporting de-escalation and achieving a humanitarian truce as a precursor to a permanent ceasefire, according to the Sudan News Agency. She highlighted the importance of coordinating international initiatives, including the Quad mechanism, which involves the United States, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Egypt.
In a separate meeting, Salem held talks with Mohamed Abdi Ware, Deputy Executive Secretary of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD). The discussions centred on regional security risks, specifically the proliferation of mercenaries and the impact of the Sudanese crisis on the Horn of Africa.
Salem told the IGAD official that the government’s top priority is to improve the humanitarian situation and ensure aid delivery. He reiterated demands for what he termed “terrorist militias” to vacate civilian sites in Darfur and Kordofan to allow for the safe return of citizens and the commencement of a national dialogue.
The Foreign Minister welcomed a proposal by IGAD to send a high-level delegation to Khartoum and to temporarily reopen its office in the capital. Salem assured the regional body that the government would provide the necessary facilities to ensure the mission’s success.
Addressing a high-level session at the forum titled “Investing in Africa’s Future,” Salem noted that while Africa is rich in natural resources, these assets often trigger conflict and foreign greed. He cited the current war in Sudan as a prime example of this dynamic.