Sudan: Army chief welcomes Turkish mediation in prolonged conflict
Sudan’s army chief, General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, has expressed support for Turkey’s initiative to mediate an end to the 20-month conflict between Sudan’s military forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
The announcement came after a meeting in Port Sudan on Saturday with Turkey’s Deputy Foreign Minister, Burhanettin Duran.
According to Sudanese Foreign Minister Ali Youssef, Burhan conveyed his appreciation for Turkey’s offer, emphasizing the nation’s reliance on allies like Turkey to restore peace. “The initiative can lead to… realizing peace in Sudan,” Youssef remarked.
The Turkish initiative was initially suggested in early December when President Recep Tayyip Erdogan held a phone call with Burhan. Erdogan stated that Turkey could assist in achieving “peace and stability” in Sudan while mediating disputes with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and countering external interventions.
Burhanettin Duran underscored Turkey’s commitment to the peace process during his Port Sudan meeting, noting that success requires collaboration with other regional actors. “We are ready to play a role in mobilizing efforts to overcome the challenges of ending this conflict,” Duran said.
The UAE, another key stakeholder, has publicly supported Turkey’s diplomatic efforts. In a recent statement, the UAE expressed readiness to “cooperate and coordinate” with Turkey and other diplomatic initiatives to achieve a comprehensive resolution to Sudan’s crisis.
The war, which erupted between Burhan’s army and his former deputy, RSF leader Mohamed Hamdan Daglo, has devastated Sudan. Tens of thousands of lives have been lost, and over 12 million people have been displaced. The conflict has also brought the country to the brink of famine, with analysts warning that foreign interventions risk exacerbating the crisis.
Efforts like Turkey’s mediation offer a glimmer of hope for a peaceful resolution, though the path forward remains fraught with challenges.
