Sudan civil war complicates Israel normalization agreement

Ajouté : 2026-05-16

[00:00:00]In Sudan, the army says it's recaptured a strategic area near the Ethiopian border after clashes with the Rapid Support Forces, the RSF, and allied fighters in the Blue Nile region. The move comes after RSF-linked forces captured nearby Al Karmuk in late March, opening a new front in Sudan's south.

[00:00:18]The fighting is also deepening tensions with Ethiopia after Khartoum accused Ethiopia of involvement in recent drone attacks, an allegation Ethiopia denies.

[00:00:28]The war in Sudan has already uprooted more than 11 million people in one of the world's worst humanitarian crises.

[00:00:35]Back here in studio with Sherri.

[00:00:38]Sherri, I know there's plenty for us to talk about of what's happening in Sudan, but let's take a look at what it means for the region as well.

[00:00:45]What does it mean for Israel because there had been a pause in the talks for it joining having Sudan join the Abraham Accords because of the civil war that's unfolding. As the war drags on, what does the future of relations look like for Sudan and any of the countries in the region? Well, I don't think normalization is on is on the table.

[00:01:04]Meanwhile, there's a civil war going on.

[00:01:06]That's That's number one. Israel hasn't taken a stand. Complicated very complicated situation with adverse regional adversaries on each party. What what we're seeing and this is important to to realize is this alliance that is forging between Israel, UAE, Ethiopia, Somaliland, which is very interesting. As As people probably watching the show know, the UAE is allegedly supporting the Rapid Response Forces, Rapid Support Forces by Hemeti.

[00:01:42]You know, it's just the other side of and basically the the country's basically torn apart again into two parts.

[00:01:52]It's a It's a very delicate situation while, you know, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Qatar is on the other side and Turkey is selling arms to both sides allegedly.

[00:02:03]So, this is where we really really have to be very very careful. I think you know, once again like in Iran, like in Israel, like in other places the the the most people that the the the the you know, the element that is most affected are the people that are suffering in the middle of this power struggle, power over it could be oil, could be minerals, could be you know, control of strategic ports.

[00:02:31]So, it's a very dire situation. Of course, we have to say you know, the UAE also claims that the Sudanese army is very pro-Muslim brother and comes with an Islamist agenda and that's not without any merit at all.

[00:02:49]So, Israel is kind of on the on the side and at least publicly, I don't know if there are any operations going on, but you have to but if you look at this growing alliance between the UAE, Ethiopia as well and one could assume or suggest that maybe in some way we're involved as well.

[00:03:08]I don't know. Interesting analysis, Sherri Frank Grossman. Thank you for being with me in the i24 News studio today. Thank you. Thanks, Nicole.

[00:03:15]Well, in other Sudanese news, Pope Leo welcomed the Sudanese Prime Minister to the Vatican for talks on the country's war and the role of the local church in Sudan.

[00:03:24]The Vatican said both sides stressed the urgent need for a ceasefire, humanitarian aid for the population, and dialogue between all Sudanese parties to end the conflict and build peace.

[00:03:36]30 African countries are gathering in Kenya for the Africa-France Summit, including leaders from across North Africa, such as the King of Morocco and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi.

[00:03:48]Over the weekend, Sisi and French President Emmanuel Macron met to talk about economic cooperation and escalating prices across the Middle East.

[00:03:57]The summit today is aimed at discussing ways of strengthening trade and economic partnership between France and African nations.