Sudanese Writer Claims Egypt Views Development in Its Neighbors as a Strategic Threat
Addis Ababa, May 9, 2026 (FMC) – In a lengthy article published by ALTANWIR, Sudanese writer Nasser Sati stated that Sudan’s relationship with Egypt has long been shaped by what he described as “political dependency” since Sudan’s independence.
According to the article, Sati argued that Sudan’s relations with Egypt have historically been influenced by strategic and regional considerations in the Horn of Africa, particularly in matters linked to security and geopolitical interests.
He claimed that Egypt views Sudan through the lens of its strategic interests, particularly in relation to Sudan’s natural resources, including gold, water, and agricultural land. The writer further suggested that Sudan has historically operated within an Egyptian sphere of influence.
The article stated that Cairo has sought, over decades, to maintain Sudan within its strategic orbit and has used this positioning in broader regional dynamics, including tensions involving Ethiopia. It further argued that Sudan has at times been drawn into regional political and media disputes rather than engaging independently with neighboring states.
The author also referenced the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) as a central point of regional tension, stating that it reflects broader geopolitical disagreements in the Nile Basin. He argued that while Egypt has expressed opposition to the project, such positions have not translated into concrete actions, according to his assessment.
The article further noted that Sudan has historically played a role in regional dynamics involving Ethiopia, though it emphasized differing interpretations of that role across successive Sudanese governments since independence.
Sati also discussed historical and academic perspectives on Sudan-Ethiopia relations, citing references attributed to Dr. Jaafar Marai as quoted by Sudanese novelist Omar Fadlallah.
These references highlight long-standing historical ties and interconnected security considerations between Sudan and Ethiopia.
The article further reviewed historical narratives suggesting periods of both cooperation and tension in Sudan’s relations with Egypt and Ethiopia, arguing that Sudan’s foreign policy orientation has shifted significantly across different political eras.
In his conclusion, Sati called for what he described as a more independent Sudanese foreign policy rooted in national interests. He urged Sudanese leadership to adopt a balanced regional approach and avoid external dependency, while emphasizing Sudan’s capacity to play an autonomous role in the Horn of Africa.