31/1/2023: Reuters - Explainer: How regional power play complicates Sudan's political transition, by Khalid Abdelaziz

Reuters explain the interests of regional powers in Sudan.

While the Quad - US, UK, UAE and Saudi Arabia - drove international efforts for a political solution in Sudan, Egypt pursued a parallel track with political factions close to Sudan's military.

Although Islamists linked to the Muslim Brotherhood, Egypt’s arch foe, deeply permeated Sudan’s military, Egypt reportedly view Islamists as “less of a risk” than a democratic breakthrough on its doorstep.

By contrast, the UAE view Islamists “which it thinks retains a strong influence in Sudan's army” as an existential threat to the entire region and thus puts its trust in Himedti, head of the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Saudi Arabia also “wants Sudan to wipe out Islamist influence”.

The US “wants a stable and secure Sudan” and is also trying to counter Russia's influence in Sudan and the wider region, with Moscow having cultivated ties with Himedti.