The Serbian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has expressed deep concern over Sudan’s recent decision to recognize Kosovo’s independence, calling into question the legitimacy of the Sudanese government and the validity of its international decisions.
The move comes just days after Serbian Foreign Minister Marko Đurić held conversation with his Sudanese counterpart about deepening bilateral ties.
In a statement released today, the Serbian ministry emphasized that the recognition of Kosovo is “a serious violation of international law, the UN Charter, and the valid UN Security Council Resolution 1244.”
The statement also questioned the credibility of Sudan’s current transitional government, which has been grappling with a devastating internal conflict since 2023. “The current political situation in Sudan, characterized by uncertainty and a lack of legitimacy, calls into question the validity of such international decisions,” the ministry said.
“It is doubtful whether the current government of Sudan has the capacity to make decisions of vital importance to international relations, especially concerning issues of sovereignty and territorial integrity of UN member states,” the statement added.
Sudan, a country of approximately 50 million people, is Africa’s third-largest by area and has been engulfed in violent clashes between military and paramilitary forces, leading to what humanitarian groups describe as one of the world’s worst crises. Around 20,000 people have reportedly been killed, and nearly half the population is facing extreme hunger.
In light of this context, Serbia reiterated its position that Kosovo’s status should be resolved through dialogue, not unilateral actions.
“This decision not only contradicts international legal norms but undermines efforts for a peaceful resolution of relations in the Balkans,” the ministry stated.
The Serbian government called on the international community to uphold the principles of the UN Charter and refrain from recognizing Kosovo’s unilaterally declared independence, urging Sudan specifically to reconsider its decision “given the complexity and sensitivity of the issue.”
“Serbia remains committed to preserving its sovereignty and territorial integrity, and to promoting peace and stability in the region,” the statement concluded.
Sudan’s decision was confirmed on Saturday by Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani following a meeting with Sudanese Foreign Minister Youssef al-Sharif on the sidelines of the Antalya Diplomacy Forum. According to Kosovo officials, the recognition came at the direction of Sudan’s president.
The development marks another diplomatic gain for Kosovo after Kenya also recognized its independence in recent weeks, ending a years-long lull in such recognitions.
In response, Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić has announced plans to send a delegation to Africa and hinted at “new surprises,” while Foreign Minister Đurić has been highlighting Serbia’s strong ties with several African countries, including Ethiopia, Togo, Tanzania—and until recently—Sudan.
Ironically, it was with the same Sudanese minister who confirmed Kosovo’s recognition that Đurić spoke earlier this month to mark the upcoming 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Serbia and Sudan, with both sides discussing plans for a joint celebration and expanded cooperation.
Đurić, who also attended the Antalya Diplomacy Forum, used the opportunity to promote Serbia as a stabilizing force in the Balkans, but did not publicly comment on Sudan’s recognition of Kosovo.
A Numbers Dispute
The exact number of countries recognizing Kosovo remains contested. According to Kosovo’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 119 countries have recognized its independence, including Sudan and Kenya. Belgrade, however, disputes that figure, claiming the true number is below 100 and asserting that 28 countries have withdrawn their recognition since Vučić came to power.
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