The head of Sudan’s army, Gen Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, has indicated his readiness to engage in peace talks with rebel commander Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, who leads the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
This move comes as the two factions have been embroiled in a brutal internal conflict since April, resulting in significant loss of life and displacement of millions of people, according to the United Nations.
Gen Burhan, who assumed power in a coup in 2021, made this statement during a rare interview with the BBC after addressing the UN General Assembly in New York.
His diplomatic efforts aim to garner international support and legitimacy for his leadership, despite criticism regarding the transition of power to civilian authorities.
In the interview, Gen Burhan denied allegations that his forces were targeting civilians, even though the UN and humanitarian organizations have presented evidence of indiscriminate airstrikes on residential areas.
He expressed confidence in the military’s ability to achieve victory but acknowledged that the ongoing conflict in Khartoum had compelled him to relocate his headquarters to Port Sudan.
The situation in Sudan remains a complex and evolving issue, with the potential for peace talks offering a glimmer of hope for a resolution to the protracted conflict.
