Sudan and Bir Tawil: Sudan's Position and the 2023 War

Since independence in 1956, Sudan has maintained that its northern border follows the administrative boundary drawn by the British in 1902. That line bends north of the 22nd parallel to include the Halaib Triangle and a salient along the Nile near Wadi Halfa, and bends south of the parallel around Bir Tawil, which it leaves in Egypt.

Sudan's claim to Halaib is a long-standing national cause. Sudan has protested Egypt's administration of the triangle and has periodically raised the issue in international forums.

If Sudan claimed Bir Tawil, it would be accepting the 22nd parallel as the border, and the 22nd parallel puts Halaib in Egypt. Sudan's legal position on Halaib therefore requires it to treat Bir Tawil as Egyptian.

On April 15, 2023, fighting broke out between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces. The war has caused one of the world's largest displacement crises and a severe humanitarian emergency. Many governments advise against all travel to Sudan.

Northern Sudan, the approach to Bir Tawil from the south, has been affected by insecurity, and the gold trade of the northern deserts has been linked to the financing of armed groups.

The Sovereign Empire of Brendania claims Bir Tawil only, the territory Sudan itself places outside its borders, and makes no claim to Halaib or any other Sudanese-claimed land. The Emperor has written to Sudan's diplomatic representatives to open relations concerning the territory, and the Crown's policy toward Sudan is peaceful engagement and goodwill toward the Sudanese people in a time of war.