U.S. mum on secret Burhan talks as other sources confirm meeting

August 12, 2025 (WASHINGTON) – The U.S. State Department on Tuesday declined to comment on reports of a secret meeting in Switzerland between Sudanese leader Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and a U.S. advisor, even as other government and media sources confirmed the high-stakes talks took place.

A high-level State Department diplomatic source, who declined to confirm or deny the meeting took place, told Sudan Tribune that Washington continues to engage with Sudanese parties through multiple channels.

“I will not get into the details of those discussions,” the source said, adding that the U.S. is “committed to supporting a dialogue that leads to peace and ends the suffering of the Sudanese people.”

However, Agence France-Presse (AFP), citing two Sudanese government sources, reported that Burhan and senior U.S. adviser Massaad Boulos met for three hours on Monday to discuss a U.S. peace plan, including a proposal for a comprehensive ceasefire.

The Sudanese news site “Al-Mohaqiq” reported the meeting was arranged at a high level by Qatar and also focused on pressuring the United Arab Emirates to halt its support for the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

Separately, Al Arabiya TV channel claimed the meeting was held at the request of the United States. It added that Burhan insisted the RSF would have no role in any post-war government, according to its sources, which identified the U.S. official as an advisor to President Donald Trump.

Official authorities in Khartoum have remained silent on the meeting and have not disclosed who accompanied Burhan.

The talks follow the U.S.’s cancellation of a July 29 meeting in Washington with the “Quad” group—comprising Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE—which was intended to launch a comprehensive political dialogue for Sudan.