Sudan’s Burhan vows to crush rebellion after Khartoum airport attack
October 21, 2025 (KHARTOUM) – The Chairman of Sudan’s Sovereign Council and Commander-in-Chief of the Army, General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, inspected Khartoum International Airport on Tuesday and pledged to completely eliminate the “rebellion,” setting strict conditions for any future peace process. His visit came hours after the airport was targeted in an attack by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
The attack was carried out by drones at dawn, shortly after the Civil Aviation Authority announced that the airport would reopen for air traffic on Wednesday. Authorities had been working to rehabilitate the airport, which suffered extensive damage after the RSF seized control of it in the initial days of the war that broke out on April 15, 2023.
In his remarks, al-Burhan affirmed the army’s determination to win the battle, stating, “Soon, no one will be able to threaten this good land or threaten Sudan, because we are determined to eliminate this rebellion.” He stressed that “we must not allow any opportunity for this rebellion to return.”
Regarding political efforts, al-Burhan’s sharp statements come as the Quartet mechanism—comprising Saudi Arabia, the United States, Egypt, and the UAE—intensifies its diplomatic efforts to end the conflict. While al-Burhan welcomed peace, he stipulated that it must be based on firm national principles.
“We welcome peace, and all Sudanese people want peace, but it must be a peace built on solid national foundations,” he declared. He added firmly, “We do not want any mercenary or militia to have any role in the future of Sudan. We do not want any party that supported the militia to have a role in Sudan’s future. This is clear talk, and there is no room for ambiguity or favouritism.”
The Quartet had proposed a roadmap beginning with a humanitarian truce to pave the way for a political process, which was welcomed by the RSF but met with reservations from the army’s leadership. Al-Burhan’s conditions today appear to reflect the army’s official stance.
Al-Burhan concluded his speech with a direct message to the RSF and its supporters: “Understand now that you are against Sudan, against the Sudanese people—you and whoever stands with you. We say to them: You are defeated, and the Sudanese people will triumph. May the eyes of the cowards never sleep.”