EU envoy warned Sudan army chief against military solution, sources say

September 11, 2026 (KHARTOUM) – The European Union’s special envoy for the Horn of Africa, Annette Weber, voiced concern to army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan over pursuing a military solution to end Sudan’s war, diplomatic sources said.

During a private meeting with Burhan on Thursday, Weber warned that the conflict cannot be resolved by force and conveyed Brussels’ alarm over potential Russian or Iranian influence expanding along the Red Sea coast in exchange for military backing, according to the sources.

In comments carried by the Sovereign Council’s media office, Weber said talks covered the political track and how to restore an orderly transition.

Diplomatic sources said discussions focused on ending the conflict and returning to a civilian-led transition under an independent government.

Weber underscored that the conflict risks spilling across the Horn of Africa, threatening Red Sea shipping routes and driving fresh waves of displacement, the sources said.

Burhan defended the legitimacy of Sudan’s state institutions and urged the EU to impose targeted sanctions on the rival paramilitary Rapid Support Forces and its foreign backers, according to the sources.

Burhan conditioned political progress on a nationwide ceasefire and an end to RSF blockades, demanding that foreign humanitarian and financial aid flow strictly through official state bodies.

The EU envoy further pointed out that protracted warfare risks state collapse and the emergence of hard-line armed groups, calling for an inclusive political process involving civilian factions, the sources said.

Weber also told Burhan that Sudan must comply with international humanitarian law, open humanitarian corridors, and cooperate with international fact-finding missions to avoid further European sanctions.

The German diplomat was part of the Quintet delegation that met Burhan on Wednesday to encourage intra-Sudanese dialogue.