Egypt’s Sudan Dilemma in 2026: Backing the State, Containing RSF, and Avoiding a Quagmire

by Gulf State Analytis

In this paper, we discuss:

• Egypt’s view of Sudan as a core strategic interest, with the SAF seen as the main pillar of state stability;
• Cairo’s assessment of the RSF as a direct security threat, particularly along its southern border and Nile interests;
• Egypt’s shift from discreet support to explicit “red lines,” including readiness to intervene militarily if needed;
• Efforts to avoid deeper entanglement through coordination with Saudi Arabia and a potentially more engaged US as the conflict drags on.

Download PDF: Egypt – January 2026