Egypt Invokes Joint Defense with Sudan Amid Escalating Threats to State Institutions

Egypt Activates Joint Defense Protocols with Sudan

In a pivotal development, Egypt has publicly invoked joint defense frameworks with Sudan, following high-level discussions between Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and Chairman of Sudan's Transitional Sovereignty Council, Abdel Fattah al-Burhan. The announcement, made around December 18, 2025, signals a heightened commitment from Cairo to address the ongoing instability and threats to Sudanese state institutions.

The decision emerged from talks held in Cairo, where the two leaders focused on developments in Sudan, avenues for political and security cooperation, and Egypt's role in efforts to end the protracted conflict.

Historical Context of the Defense Agreement

The foundation for this joint defense mechanism dates back to 1976, when an agreement was initially signed by then-Egyptian President Anwar al-Sadat and Sudanese President Gaafar Nimeiry. This foundational pact was subsequently updated through additional security and military protocols in 2021, reflecting evolving regional dynamics and security needs. While Egypt has historically provided support to the Sudanese military, including unannounced airstrikes in October 2024 to help retake key sites in Sennar State, this public signaling of the activation of mutual defense protocols marks a new phase in their cooperation.

Egypt's 'Red Lines' and Current Threats

The invocation is a direct response to what Egypt has termed 'red lines' that cannot be crossed, as they directly impact both Sudan's and Egypt's national security. These critical boundaries include:

• Preserving Sudan's unity and territorial integrity.
• Rejecting any attempts at secession or the creation of parallel entities, a clear reference to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
• Protecting Sudanese state institutions and preventing any harm to them.

The ongoing conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the RSF, which began in April 2023, has severely destabilized Sudan, leading to widespread humanitarian crises and posing significant regional challenges.

Regional Implications and RSF Reaction

This move by Egypt has drawn careful attention from regional actors. Sources within the RSF have indicated they are 'cautiously' monitoring these developments, with some suggesting that such a shift could be interpreted as a declaration of war against the paramilitary group. The activation underscores the increasing regional fault lines being tested by the conflict in Sudan, as neighboring states articulate their own 'red lines' to justify potential military and security involvement.

Beyond defense, the high-level talks also encompassed broader areas of bilateral cooperation, including strengthening coordination on water issues, security, trade, and economic ties. Egypt has also reiterated its support for a vision proposed by the United States to achieve security, stability, and peace in Sudan.