January 17, 2024 (PORT SUDAN) – Sudan’s deputy head of the Sovereign Council, Malik Agar, held a crucial meeting with Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki on Wednesday to discuss strategies to prevent the ongoing conflict in Sudan from spilling over into neighbouring eastern provinces.

The presence of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) paramilitary group in central Sudan’s Al-Jazirah State has raised concerns about the potential for their incursion into the eastern regions of Gadaref and Kassala, which border Eritrea.

In a statement released on social media, Agar described the meeting as “characterized by brotherhood and a reflection of a neighbour’s concern for Sudan’s national security and regional stability.”

The discussions reportedly focused on a wide range of issues, including the political situation in Sudan, matters pertaining to Sudan’s internal affairs, and the well-being of Sudanese citizens residing in Eritrea.

Agar emphasized the importance of safeguarding the eastern states bordering Eritrea, stating that the two leaders discussed “the issue of security and stability of the eastern states neighbouring Eritrea and the strategy we are taking to avoid the spread of the war to these states.”

According to the statement, Afwerki reaffirmed his unwavering support for the Sudanese people and government during this challenging time and pledged to extend all possible assistance to Sudanese nationals seeking refuge in Eritrea.

The proximity of these paramilitary forces to Eritrea, coupled with the shared ethnic groups residing in both countries, has fuelled fears of potential instability in the region.

Eritrea in 2022, showed concern about the RSF plans to recruit combatants from eastern Sudan border areas due to the shared ethnicity.

   *President Afwerki and Deputy Chairman Agar pose after a meeting on January 17, 2024 .