Türkiye stands by Sudan amid ongoing conflict

Sudan endures over 30 months of conflict, Türkiye continues to stand by the East African nation through humanitarian aid, reconstruction efforts, and diplomatic engagement.

Tens of thousands have been killed, millions displaced and tens of millions require assistance since fighting broke out. Sudanese officials say Türkiye’s steady support—both in relief and reconstruction—reflects a strong and historic partnership.

Türkiye’s active presence on ground

The Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA) remains active in Sudan with projects aiding orphans, farmers, displaced people, and local communities.

Ziraat Katılım Bankası contributes to strengthening economic ties, while Turkish Airlines (THY)—the only international carrier currently flying to Sudan—connects Port Sudan directly with Istanbul and the world.

‘Türkiye has white (charitable) hands in Sudan’

Red Sea State Governor Mustafa Mohammed Nur, Sudan’s Ambassador to Ankara Nadir Yousif Eltayeb, and Türkiye’s Ambassador to Khartoum Fatih Yildiz spoke to Anadolu Agency about bilateral relations.

Governor Nur said Türkiye and Sudan share “deep and strong ties,” describing Türkiye’s work as “white (charitable) hands in Sudan.”

He said TİKA has been active in Port Sudan for nearly a year and that the arrival of Turkish Airlines and Ziraat Katılım Bankası has revitalized economic life.

“All these efforts help business mobility and support entrepreneurs traveling between Sudan and Türkiye,” he said.

Nur recalled that Türkiye was the first to send aid after a dam collapse last year, providing food and shelter.

He also noted that TIKA built neonatal and maternity units in local hospitals and restored historic sites on Suakin Island.

‘Türkiye’s stance was strong and clear’

Sudan’s Ambassador to Ankara Nadir Yousif Eltayeb said Türkiye took a firm position during the conflict.

“Türkiye’s stance toward Sudan during the war was extremely strong and clear. It openly demonstrated support for the legitimate government,” he said.

Eltayeb recalled that four meetings took place between Sovereign Council Chairman Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara, Antalya and New York.

“These summits show constant coordination between the two leaderships,” he said.

He noted that Türkiye delivered more than 10,000 tons of food, shelter and medical aid while continuing to treat Sudanese patients and provide scholarships at all education levels.

“Despite the war, bilateral trade exceeded $350 million in 2024,” he said, adding that Turkish companies are working on power infrastructure repairs.

‘Our brotherhood grows stronger’

Türkiye’s Ambassador to Khartoum, Fatih Yildiz, said Türkiye “has stood firmly by Sudan’s government and people throughout the 30-month conflict.”

“As Türkiye and the Turkish people, we have shown very concretely that we are by Sudan’s side,” Yildiz said, noting the activities of TIKA, Ziraat Katılım Bankası and Turkish Airlines in Port Sudan.

“These are steps welcomed by both the government and the people here. They have given morale and hope,” he said.

“We believe these actions have strengthened our already strong bonds of brotherhood.”

Yıldız said four Turkish aid ships arrived over the past year with humanitarian supplies and medical equipment, including during cholera outbreaks and drone attacks on Port Sudan.

He emphasized that while every civilian life matters, Sudan’s crisis has been overshadowed by conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine.

After visiting Khartoum in August, Yildiz said the destruction there was vast.

“It does not seem possible for Sudan to overcome this devastation alone,” he said.

“Türkiye will continue to advocate for international cooperation and humanitarian support, ensuring Sudan receives the help it deserves in its reconstruction process.”