The Sudanese Council of Security and Defense expressed its gratitude to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia and U.S. President Donald Trump for their keen interest in Sudanese affairs and their commitment to achieving peace that preserves the unity and territorial integrity of Sudan. This was stated in an official communiqué issued on Tuesday evening following a meeting presided over by the Chairman of the Transitional Sovereignty Council, Lieutenant General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan. The council announced that it had entrusted the relevant authorities to respond to the paper submitted by the U.S. President’s advisor for Arab and African affairs, Musad Bulus, concerning the cessation of hostilities in Sudan.
The council reaffirmed its adherence to the vision previously presented by the Sudanese government to the United Nations and other concerned entities. It stressed the government’s commitment to facilitating the entry of humanitarian aid, opening roads, protecting humanitarian workers, and ensuring that assistance reaches those in need. Furthermore, it emphasized the continued operation of border crossings and airports. These measures come amid a worsening humanitarian crisis caused by the ongoing intense conflict within the country.
Two days earlier, al-Burhan openly rejected the initiative of the international quartet, stating that the participation of the United Arab Emirates in this mechanism renders it unacceptable for Sudan due to what he described as its involvement in supporting “rebels” against the Sudanese state. During his meeting with senior military officers, al-Burhan said that the UAE could not act as a mediator in the crisis. He also dismissed the narrative circulated by Musad Bulus about the existence of Muslim Brotherhood control within the army, calling it a false story propagated by the UAE.
Al-Burhan emphasized that the armed forces were determined to regain all territories in Kordofan and Darfur, stressing that talk about the Muslim Brotherhood’s control over the army is merely a “scarecrow” used with the Americans, Saudis, and Egyptians. He clarified that the military establishment is capable of reforming its own structure, pointing out that the so-called “Dagalo militia” has committed crimes of genocide and ethnic cleansing against Sudanese citizens, with certain countries and political groups aiding these forces, which is unacceptable to the Sudanese army.
Al-Burhan asserted that the armed forces are not warmongers and do not reject peace; however, they will not tolerate any external threats or impositions. He affirmed the strength of the Sudanese people and their army, stating that confidence in officers and soldiers is a source of strength for the military establishment. The army is determined to engage in this battle with honor and dignity, without foreign intervention, describing it as a “battle of dignity” fought by all Sudanese as a fight for the survival of the people.
He praised the efforts of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to address the Sudanese crisis and achieve peace, noting that his discussions with President Donald Trump have clarified the true situation in the country. Al-Burhan highlighted that Sudan is under threat, which necessitates unity and consolidation to confront this targeting. He warned that the current proposals effectively call for the division of Sudan, questioning how a ceasefire can be established while the Rapid Support Forces occupy cities and regions. He stressed the need to assemble the elements of these forces and ensure they surrender their weapons under guarantees.
Al-Burhan stated that no one can impose figures such as Abdullah Hamdok or Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo, “Hemeti,” on Sudan, affirming that those aspiring to rule the country again will not succeed. In a brief post on the “X” platform, he thanked Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and President Trump for their attention to Sudan. Meanwhile, Trump said, “We will begin working on Sudan after receiving a request from Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who will play a strong role in ending the conflict there.”
Since the outbreak of the war in Sudan in mid-April 2023 between the army and the Rapid Support Forces, humanitarian suffering has escalated sharply, resulting in the deaths of tens of thousands and the displacement of nearly 13 million people, amid a conflict that continues to threaten the unity and stability of the country.
