Sudan’s Burhan rejects Quad ceasefire call, vows to keep fighting

September 18, 2025 (DOHA) – Sudan’s army chief, General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, on Thursday rejected a ceasefire proposal from the Quad group of nations, dismissing it as an external agenda that does not concern his government.

Speaking in Doha, Burhan said the Quad’s communiqué “does not concern us and we are not a party to it.” He added that he had informed the United States of Khartoum’s “categorical refusal” of any externally imposed agenda or solutions unacceptable to the Sudanese people.

The Quad, which comprises the United States, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Egypt, called for a timeline to end the conflict last week. The proposal included a three-month humanitarian truce, a ceasefire, and a nine-month transition to civilian rule.

While dismissing the Quad’s plan, Burhan told Sudanese community leaders that his government was “open to any efforts seeking to stop the war,” but only on the condition that they preserve the country’s sovereignty and national institutions.

The general, whose forces have been fighting the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) since April 2023, vowed to continue the war. He accused the RSF of receiving modern weapons through neighbouring Chad.

“We will not lay down our arms until we break the siege of El-Fasher, Zalingei, Babanusa, and every inch desecrated by the rebellion,” Burhan said.

Burhan also offered a conditional welcome to political opponents, saying anyone “who comes to his senses will find the political arena welcoming.” The statement comes as Sudan’s Public Prosecution has filed lawsuits that could carry the death penalty against exiled civilian leaders, including former Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok.

The war has plunged Sudan into a catastrophic humanitarian crisis, causing widespread hunger and severe societal polarization. Rights groups accuse both sides of committing war crimes.