Sudan’s Sovereign Council leader, General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, firmly rejected any participation in peace negotiations with nations that have supported the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) during its ongoing conflict with the Sudanese army. Speaking at the UN General Assembly in New York, al-Burhan stated, “It will not be acceptable to the government and people of Sudan for any country or organization that supported the war or participated in the killing and displacement of Sudanese people to participate [in the peace process].”
Although he did not specify any nations by name, al-Burhan implied that support for the RSF came through political backing, arms supply, or facilitating the passage of fighters. His remarks come as the army-RSF conflict, which erupted in April 2023, has plunged Sudan into a severe humanitarian crisis, leaving thousands dead and millions displaced.
Al-Burhan reiterated his government’s willingness to engage in peace talks, but only if these processes maintain “national ownership” of solutions, end the RSF’s territorial claims, and protect “the dignity of the people and state sovereignty.” He emphasized Sudan’s stance of not accepting mediation from regional or international powers that contributed to the conflict, including through military support.
During an interview with Al Jazeera, al-Burhan specifically accused the United Arab Emirates (UAE) of providing arms and equipment to the RSF, a claim the UAE has denied. The UAE maintains that its role has been limited to establishing hospitals in refugee camps in Chad and offering humanitarian aid to Sudanese people through international organizations. Al-Burhan stressed that while Sudan is willing to continue communication with the United States, the U.S. should “support national solutions if they are serious about peace in Sudan.”
Despite al-Burhan’s meetings with several U.S. officials on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, no formal statements were released regarding those discussions. The conflict between the army and the RSF continues to destabilize Sudan, with no clear end in sight.