Podcast Summary: The Interview – Dr. Badr Abdelatty, Egyptian Foreign Minister: “We’re pushing hard to end Sudan conflict”

BBC World Service | December 10, 2025
Host: Wahiga Mwaura

Episode Overview

This episode features Dr. Badr Abdelatty, the Foreign Minister of Egypt, in an in-depth conversation about Egypt's diplomatic efforts regarding the Sudanese conflict, regional tensions in the Horn of Africa, and Egypt’s perspective on the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD). Dr. Abdelatty discusses Egypt's commitment to mediation amid Sudan’s brutal civil war, rebuts allegations of foreign interference, and emphasizes the importance of regional stability and water security.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Egypt’s Role in Sudan Mediation

Timestamps: 03:38 – 07:47

• Dr. Abdelatty outlines Egypt’s proactive involvement in the Quad (Egypt, US, Saudi Arabia, UAE) to resolve the ongoing Sudanese conflict.
  • Quote: “We are pushing very hard in cooperation with the Americans, with the Saudis, with the Emiratis … to apply the maximum pressure to move forward with the implementation of this declaration of 12 September.” (04:09)
• The situation seriously deteriorated after the RSF militia’s capture of Al Fashir, leading to atrocities and shocking the international community.
• Egypt hosts about 5.5 million Sudanese refugees, underlining its vested interest in peace.
  • Quote: “Sudan is a sisterly country to Egypt ... we are hosting around 5.5 million Sudanese living in Egypt who fled their country due to the escalation there.” (05:10)
• Direct US presidential involvement (President Trump) is seen as crucial for brokering peace, referencing the precedent set in Gaza.
  • Quote: “It worked before in Gaza, and thanks to him … we managed to stop this ugly war. So we hope that with this direct involvement and the commitment of President Trump in this situation in Sudan, we hope that what happened in Gaza can be repeated in Sudan.” (06:18, 07:21)

2. Viability and Structure of the Quad’s Peace Plan

Timestamps: 07:38 – 12:39

• Despite setbacks after the fall of Al Fashir, Abdelatty insists the Quad’s roadmap remains the only viable option: humanitarian truce, ceasefire, safe havens, and an inclusive political process under Sudanese ownership.
  • Quote: “This is the only roadmap we have. We have to move forward with truce and the ceasefire as soon as possible ... to have humanitarian, safe haven, humanitarian accessibility in all Sudan.” (07:47)
• On Army commander General Burhan’s readiness: “He’s very keen to put an end to this war. … We will not allow this to happen.” (09:33)
• Emphasis on Sudan’s unity: “We will not under any circumstances accept any division or disintegration of Sudan because that will create more and more crisis to come in the future.” (09:58)

3. Contested Roles and Accusations Among Quad Members

Timestamps: 12:39 – 14:19; 15:40 – 16:58

• The interviewer raises concerns about UAE’s alleged support for RSF while mediating, and Egypt’s possible support for the Sudanese army.
  • Abdelatty firmly denies these allegations: “Absolutely not true at all. … Our position is very clear. This is a principled position in our foreign policy. Not to interfere in the internal affairs of any country, including neighboring countries.” (16:04)
• On the UAE: “We have a very strong relationship with the United Arab Emirates. … We all supportive of this Quad declaration.” (13:32)
• Stresses that only “good offices” and mediation—not arms or support—are being provided.

4. Egypt’s Perspective on GERD and Regional Water Security

Timestamps: 16:58 – 22:00

• Egypt opposes the unilateral operation of Ethiopia’s Grand Renaissance Dam, seeing it as a clear violation of international law and an existential threat to Egypt’s water supply.
  • Quote: “We consider it as a unilateral action. It’s illegitimate. It’s not in accordance with international law.” (17:28)
• All bilateral negotiations with Ethiopia are currently frozen; Egypt reserves the right to defend its interests if “any harm happened.”
  • “... if any harm happened, then you know, we have to defend our interests, but in accordance to [international law].” (19:50, 20:01)
• Egypt is the only Nile basin country almost entirely dependent on the Nile—“98%” of its water comes from it. (19:08)
• The stalled 2020 US-mediated agreement is detailed, with Ethiopia accused of failing to sign.

5. Egypt’s Activities in the Horn of Africa and Somalia

Timestamps: 22:00 – 23:11

• Denies that Egyptian troop deployment to Somalia is related to regional rivalry with Ethiopia.
  • “Mix apple with orange.” (22:07)
• Participation in Somalia is framed as counterterrorism support upon request from the Somali government and the African Union.
  • “We are participating in the African Union mission in Somalia to help Somalia in defeating terrorism … not imposing ourselves. They urged us to come.” (22:10, 22:33)

6. View on Gaza and Trump’s Peace Plan

Timestamps: 23:11 – 24:40

• Dr. Abdelatty praises the new UN Security Council-backed peace plan for Gaza as a “step in the right direction,” stressing its implementation is key.
  • The plan involves Israeli withdrawal, reconstruction, and the possible deployment of International Stabilization Forces (ISF).
• On Egypt’s possible contribution to ISF: “We’ll see … we are providing support for command and control, for logistics.” (24:14)
• The need for international monitoring of the ceasefire and continued progress in phase two of the plan is emphasized.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the humanitarian disaster in Sudan:
  “What’s happening there is systematic destruction of the infrastructure of the people in Sudan.” (04:39–04:47)
• On inclusion in Sudan’s political process:
  “Everybody will be party to this political process. It will be a Sudanese-owned process ... without any interference from any external factors.” (11:49)
• On Egypt’s non-interference:
  “This is a red line for us. We need de escalation ... our clear cut position to refrain from interfering.” (16:04)
• On Ethiopia and the Nile:
  “We negotiated with good faith. But unfortunately, the other side used this ... to create facts on the ground and to impose his will.” (17:28–18:15)
• Humor in deflecting accusations:
  “Mix apple with orange.” (22:07)

Important Timestamps

• 03:38 – Start of interview, introduction to Egypt’s role in Sudan
• 05:10 – Refugee impact in Egypt
• 06:18 – US direct involvement; Quad’s operations
• 07:47 – Emphasis on political process and inclusivity
• 10:44 – On distinguishing state actors from militias
• 13:32 – Responds to allegations against UAE
• 16:04 – Egypt’s rejection of interference accusations
• 17:28 – Detailed grievance with Ethiopia over GERD
• 19:44 – National security implications; Egypt’s dependency on the Nile
• 22:07 – Denial of troop deployment being anti-Ethiopia
• 23:31 – Egypt’s support for new Gaza peace plan
• 24:14 – Participation in international stabilization efforts for Gaza

Tone and Style

Dr. Abdelatty is pragmatic, direct, and occasionally forceful, especially when distancing Egypt from accusations of interference or when discussing sovereignty and national security. He also employs humor and metaphors (“mix apple with orange”) to underline points and disarm criticisms.

Summary Takeaway

The episode provides a comprehensive look at Egypt’s diplomatic balancing act in a tumultuous region. Dr. Abdelatty reiterates Egypt’s commitment to Sudanese unity, peace via the Quad, and negotiated solutions, while robustly defending his nation against allegations of partiality or interference. Regional water disputes and the complicated Horn of Africa alliances showcase how closely interconnected security and diplomacy are for Cairo. On Gaza, Egypt welcomes the latest peace initiatives but urges real, actionable steps. Through it all, Dr. Abdelatty underscores principles of sovereignty and multilateralism as pillars of Egyptian foreign policy.