Sudan’s military chief, Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, eyes September with optimism, aiming to solidify his image as the nation’s rightful leader on the international stage. This endeavor unfolds against the backdrop of a brutal war that has unleashed a massive humanitarian crisis.
Just recently, Burhan flew to Beijing, engaging in talks with President Xi Jinping.
The occasion was the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (Focac), a gathering of numerous African leaders, notably Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Kenya’s President William Ruto.
For Burhan, the trip marked a personal success, having been compelled to relocate from Khartoum to Port Sudan to hold his ground.
Even though discussions in Beijing didn’t yield substantial results, a photo with Xi and China’s promises about Sudan’s sovereignty held weight.
Xi conveyed China’s willingness to bolster Sudan’s stability through their strategic alliance. “China is ready to work with Sudan to promote the steady development of our strategic partnership,” Xi proclaimed, as per an official dispatch. He emphasized China’s support for Sudan’s sovereignty, independence, and territorial wholeness, hoping for the country’s swift return to peace.
Additionally, Xi voiced China’s commitment to “uphold justice for Sudan on multilateral platforms” and foster a conducive environment for Sudan’s political resolution.
With China’s backing, Burhan now counts two permanent members of the United Nations Security Council on his side, as Russia had already expressed support. Both have shielded Sudan from Western rebuke in UN circles.
Diplomatic insiders in Khartoum suggest Burhan’s recent maneuvers might pressure the US to recognize him as the legitimate transition leader, lest it loses sway over the unfolding situation in Sudan.
The US has repeatedly urged the feuding factions—Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) and Rapid Support Forces (RSF)—to embrace peace talks. Despite these efforts, a recent invitation to Geneva was snubbed by the SAF, citing the unwelcome presence of the UAE, whom they accuse of supporting the RSF.
Yet, at the UN Security Council, the UAE, a non-permanent member, declared on September 11 that a military solution is not viable in Sudan. “An immediate and enduring ceasefire, unrestricted humanitarian access, and a return to civilian governance are urgently needed,” stated the UAE.
This month, Burhan is slated to deliver his second address at the UN General Assembly in New York, a yearly congregation of world leaders. Concurrently, calls are growing from the UN and global human rights bodies to extend the mandate of the fact-finding mission in Sudan, spotlighting the surge in humanitarian abuses.
During a review session on September 10, extensive deliberations underscored the necessity of continuing the mission’s work amid worsening conditions. While some entities and Sudanese civil society advocates pushed for an extension, the Sudanese government sought its cessation.
The mission’s report revealed that the Sudanese government had ignored four visit requests, crippling the team’s investigations. The report urged the International Criminal Court to investigate the atrocities, alongside recommending peacekeeping troops to shield civilians from rampant violations, such as killings, detentions, torture, and internet shutdowns.
The UN Security Council extended sanctions against Sudan until September 2025 in a resolution passed on Wednesday. Robert Wood, the US Deputy Representative for Political Affairs at the UN, emphasized that these sanctions are designed to curb arms transfers to Darfur and penalize destabilizers.
In a startling move, General Yasser Al-Atta, Assistant Commander-in-Chief of the Sudan Armed Forces, confirmed that al-Burhan would retain his position with full sovereign powers, even through multiple electoral terms. Al-Atta’s comments suggest the military’s intent to cling to political control despite impending elections.
Analysts interpret this as al-Burhan’s bid to cement international legitimacy by asserting his leadership role amid internal and external pressures. This stance underscores an intent to maintain political dominance, potentially complicating peace prospects and deepening the ongoing strife.
Some pundits argue this could be a strategy by al-Burhan to bolster his domestic and international standing, seeking global endorsement even as Sudan’s human rights record faces mounting scrutiny.
Conversely, such statements may fuel internal friction, stirring political discord and provoking mixed reactions within Sudan.
As the nation grapples with severe internal conflicts between the army and the RSF, the chances of reaching a peaceful political settlement seem bleak, exacerbating the humanitarian plight of countless Sudanese affected by the warfare.
The Human Rights Council’s forthcoming session will wrap up on October 10, with a crucial vote on extending the fact-finding mission’s mandate expected before the session concludes.
