Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, head of the Transitional Sovereign Council and army commander in Sudan, has asserted the government’s commitment to democratic transformation and the transitional period ending with general elections. His remarks came during a meeting with the United Nations Special Envoy to Sudan, Ramtane Lamamra, and followed a day after the Sudanese Foreign Ministry protested a call made by UN Secretary-General António Guterres to Rapid Support Forces commander Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (known as Hemeti), whom they labeled a “rebel”.
According to a statement published by the Sudanese News Agency (SUNA), Burhan briefed Lamamra on the violations and atrocities committed by the Rapid Support Forces militia against the state, its institutions, infrastructure, and the displacement and humiliation of citizens. The army and citizens in several states accuse the Rapid Support Forces of crimes like robbery, theft, and killing, although the group denies these allegations and blames what they call “outlaws”. The army also faces accusations of bombing civilian locations.
The Sudanese statement indicated that Burhan provided the UN envoy with a comprehensive explanation of the developments in the country before, during, and after the war. He also discussed the outcomes of the Jeddah Platform, initiatives from neighboring countries, and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), despite regional and international interventions in the results of the latest summit.
Lamamra expressed optimism about achieving peace and stability in Sudan and ending the war, restoring normal life through the concerted efforts of Sudanese and those committed to Sudan’s interest. He conducted consultations during his visit with various officials and civil society segments. Lamamra clarified that these meetings greatly informed him about the realities in Sudan and the official Sudanese perspective on certain peace initiatives and launching a peace process that allows the Sudanese people to reclaim a dignified life under an independent, sovereign state that plays its role in Africa, the Arab world, and the international arena.
The Sudanese statement also mentioned that Lamamra left the meeting with the head of the Sovereign Council equipped with accurate and useful information regarding Sudan’s stance on several issues. He plans to work diligently with all parties to shape the positive role of the United Nations in this regard.
