Sudan’s Army Chief, General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, has expressed strong support for Turkey’s ongoing peace efforts to resolve the country’s brutal conflict between military factions. The backing comes as Sudan faces escalating violence, displacing millions and drawing international concern over the humanitarian crisis.
In a recent statement, General al-Burhan emphasized the importance of international cooperation, especially Turkey’s role in brokering dialogue between Sudan’s rival military groups. “We appreciate Turkey’s commitment to peace in Sudan and believe its involvement is vital to achieving a lasting resolution,” al-Burhan said during a diplomatic meeting with Turkish officials.
The Sudanese conflict erupted in April 2023 between forces loyal to al-Burhan’s army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), led by General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo. Despite multiple ceasefire attempts, violence has persisted, leaving thousands dead and millions displaced within Sudan and neighboring countries.
Turkey, which has maintained a neutral stance throughout the conflict, has been active in diplomatic channels, offering mediation and humanitarian assistance. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has repeatedly called for an inclusive peace process, urging Sudan’s leaders to prioritize the wellbeing of civilians over military power struggles.
We stand with the Sudanese people and are committed to supporting peace talks that include all stakeholders, as only a comprehensive agreement will lead to a stable Sudan, Erdoğan said during a press briefing.
The Turkish peace initiative aims to bring together Sudanese factions, international mediators, and regional partners to negotiate a ceasefire and pave the way for a political solution. The effort also includes providing humanitarian aid and support for refugees affected by the conflict.
Despite the positive signals from Sudan’s army leadership, many analysts remain cautious, noting that the entrenched positions of the military factions and the RSF make it difficult to predict the outcome of peace negotiations. The challenge remains whether both sides can genuinely commit to a ceasefire and a political settlement, said security expert Fatima Mohammed.
As the peace process unfolds, Sudanese civilians continue to bear the brunt of the violence, with reports of widespread atrocities and human rights abuses. The international community has called for stronger actions to protect civilians and hold those responsible for the violence accountable.
The support from Sudan’s army chief for Turkey’s peace efforts is seen as a hopeful sign, but it remains to be seen whether the military factions will engage in meaningful dialogue. With the humanitarian situation worsening, the urgency of a peaceful resolution has never been more critical for the future of Sudan and its people.
