Sudan’s Burhan outlines dialogue efforts, path towards civilian government
March 27, 2025 (PORT SUDAN) – Sudan’s military leader, General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, said on Thursday the country was pursuing a comprehensive national dialogue and preparing for an eventual elected civilian government to take power.
The statement follows amendments to Sudan’s constitutional document that granted more power to the army and extended a transitional period by 39 months starting from Feb. 23, 2025.
Al-Burhan, who heads the ruling Sovereignty Council, made the remarks during a meeting in Port Sudan with Germany’s Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa, Heiko Nitzschke, where they discussed the situation in Sudan and political issues, the council said.
The council statement added that the meeting covered government peace efforts, facilitating humanitarian aid access for those in need, and the push for inclusive dialogue.
Discussions also touched on forming a technocratic government to prepare for elections, part of a previously announced government roadmap, the statement said.
Al-Burhan reiterated the army was “working to create favourable conditions” for an elected civilian government to take power, according to the statement. He stressed that the armed forces did not want political involvement.
The German envoy, Nitzschke, said his country was ready to support post-war reconstruction efforts in Sudan alongside international partners.
The government roadmap, proposed in February, included launching a national dialogue, allowing political activity “without compromising national constants,” amending the constitutional document, and selecting a civilian prime minister.
Before the current conflict erupted, the army, the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), and political groups participated in a political process aimed at transferring power to civilians. However, disagreements over the timetable for integrating the RSF into the army and command structures led to the war’s outbreak.
Separately, Finance Minister Jibril Ibrahim also met the German envoy to discuss requirements for peace, reconstruction and development, state media reported.
On Wednesday, Sudanese Foreign Minister Ali Youssef criticised plans by Britain and Germany to host a conference on Sudan, involving the United Arab Emirates, on April 15 without consulting Sudanese authorities.
Khartoum accuses the United Arab Emirates of supplying military equipment and drones to the RSF, allegedly via Chad. Sudan has filed complaints against the UAE with the U.N. Security Council and against Chad with the African Union over the issue.