Sudan has called on France to reopen its embassy in Khartoum as the government seeks to rebuild diplomatic relations with European countries amid the ongoing conflict and efforts to restore stability.
Sudanese Foreign Minister Mohi-Eddin Salem made the appeal during a meeting with Jean-Marie Safa, France’s special envoy for Sudan and the Horn of Africa, on Tuesday, October 13, 2026. The discussions focused on bilateral relations, peace initiatives and the wider security situation in the Horn of Africa.
According to Sudan Tribune, Salem urged the French government to reopen both its embassy and cultural institute in the Sudanese capital, arguing that closer diplomatic engagement would help strengthen relations between the two countries.
The appeal comes as Sudan attempts to restore normal government operations and rebuild international relationships after years of conflict. While several Arab and African countries have reopened diplomatic missions in Khartoum, many European ambassadors continue to conduct their work from neighbouring countries because of security concerns.
Sudan Seeks Stronger Relations With France
During the meeting, Salem expressed Sudan’s interest in developing a more constructive relationship with France, based on transparency, mutual respect and an understanding of conditions inside the country.
The foreign minister encouraged the French envoy to assess the situation in Sudan directly rather than rely on accounts that the government considers misleading.
He also criticised allegations concerning the Sudanese military’s alleged use of chemical weapons, describing the claims as part of a wider effort by opponents to undermine the government.
The United States has accused Sudan’s government of using chemical weapons during the conflict. Washington imposed sanctions on May 22, 2025, restricting certain exports to Sudan and limiting access to credit.
Sudanese authorities have denied using chemical weapons and have repeatedly demanded that the United States provide evidence supporting its allegations. The government has also established a national committee to investigate the claims.
The dispute remains a sensitive issue in Sudan’s relations with Western governments, with the allegations and resulting sanctions adding to the diplomatic challenges facing Khartoum.
Salem told the French representative that Sudan was approaching a turning point in its efforts to overcome the crisis. His appeal for the reopening of France’s diplomatic mission reflects the government’s desire to encourage more direct international engagement.
European Diplomatic Missions Remain Outside Khartoum
France’s embassy is among the diplomatic missions that have not resumed normal operations in Khartoum following the deterioration in security conditions.
The conflict that erupted in April 2023 between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces disrupted government operations, damaged infrastructure and forced many foreign diplomatic missions to relocate their activities.
Although the security situation has improved in parts of the capital, international governments continue to assess the risks associated with returning their diplomatic staff.
The reopening of an embassy would represent more than the restoration of a physical building. It could also facilitate direct political engagement, improve communication between officials and provide a platform for expanding cooperation in areas such as culture and development.
France’s response to Sudan’s request will therefore be closely watched as Khartoum seeks to rebuild relationships with countries that have maintained a cautious approach to the conflict.
However, the appeal does not mean that Paris has agreed to reopen its embassy. No such commitment was reported following the meeting.
Sudan Discusses Peace With France
Beyond diplomatic relations, Salem and Safa discussed possible ways to advance peace and promote stability across Sudan and the wider Horn of Africa.
France has expressed interest in supporting dialogue among Sudanese political and other stakeholders as part of efforts to bring the war to an end.
According to the French envoy, Paris wants transparent relations with Sudan and is working to help bridge differences between the parties through intra-Sudanese dialogue.
The objective is to encourage a process that could prevent further conflict and establish conditions for lasting peace.
Sudan’s war has caused widespread displacement, severe humanitarian needs and significant damage to the country’s economy and infrastructure. Efforts to end the fighting have faced repeated obstacles, including disagreements over political arrangements, security and the future role of armed groups.
The involvement of international partners remains an important part of wider diplomatic efforts, although a sustainable settlement will ultimately depend on progress among Sudanese stakeholders.
An independent committee backed by the Sudanese government is also conducting consultations intended to prepare the ground for an inclusive national dialogue.
The effectiveness of such initiatives will depend on the range of participants involved and whether the discussions can produce a credible path towards political stability.
Sudan Links Regional Tensions to the Search for Peace
The talks also addressed Sudan’s relationship with neighbouring Ethiopia, with Salem stating that Khartoum was willing to engage in dialogue with Addis Ababa.
However, he said progress would require Ethiopia to stop what Sudan alleges is support for the Rapid Support Forces and to refrain from actions that threaten Sudan’s territorial integrity.
These statements highlight how the conflict has become intertwined with wider regional concerns involving security, sovereignty and relations between neighbouring states.
Sudan has repeatedly called for an end to external interference in its internal affairs, while regional diplomacy continues to grapple with the potential consequences of the war for the wider Horn of Africa.
Salem said Sudan wanted peace after enduring the costs of the conflict. Nevertheless, the conditions he outlined for dialogue with Ethiopia suggest that diplomatic progress will depend on how the two governments address their differences.
The allegations regarding Ethiopia’s involvement remain Sudan’s position and should not be treated as independently established facts.
What the Embassy Request Means for Sudan
Sudan’s appeal to France reflects a broader effort by the government to restore diplomatic engagement while attempting to move beyond the immediate effects of the war.
A reopening of the French embassy and cultural institute could create additional opportunities for communication, cultural exchanges and cooperation between the two countries.
It could also signal a degree of confidence in the security situation in Khartoum, although France would need to make its own assessment before deciding whether to resume operations.
For now, the discussions represent an opportunity to address longstanding differences and explore areas of mutual interest.
Whether the meeting leads to a reopening of the embassy, stronger bilateral cooperation or progress on regional peace initiatives remains uncertain.
What is clear is that Sudan wants more direct engagement with France as it navigates the diplomatic and political challenges associated with the continuing conflict.
