Sudan’s Burhan accepts credentials of foreign envoys at Khartoum palace

August 13, 2026 (KHARTOUM) – Sudanese army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan received the credentials of new ambassadors from Saudi Arabia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Somalia at the Republican Palace in Khartoum on Thursday.

It was the first time Burhan performed the diplomatic duty at the site since war broke out in April 2023.

The ceremony was aimed at signalling a return to stability in the capital, despite sporadic drone strikes launched by the rival Rapid Support Forces.

Sudan’s Sovereign Council said in a statement that Burhan accepted the credentials of Saudi Arabia’s new ambassador, Zaid bin Makhlad bin Zaid Al-Harbi, in the presence of Foreign Minister Mohieddin Salem.

Al-Harbi succeeds Ali bin Hassan Jaafar, who had served as Riyadh’s envoy to Khartoum since November 2016.

Speaking after the ceremony, Al-Harbi emphasized Saudi Arabia’s commitment to strengthening bilateral ties and supporting stability in Sudan.

Burhan also received the credentials of Ahmed Jama Omar as Somalia’s new ambassador to Sudan.

Jama reiterated Somalia’s support for Sudan’s sovereignty, security and territorial integrity amid the ongoing conflict.

Burhan concluded by receiving the credentials of Wabenga Kalebo Theo as ambassador of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

The Congolese ambassador affirmed in a press statement his commitment to developing bilateral relations and working toward peace in both countries.