Sudanese delegation in U.S. for talks on bilateral ties, ending war
October 24, 2025 (WASHINGTON, KHARTOUM) – A Sudanese delegation, led by Foreign Minister Mohieldin Salem and including military officials, arrived in Washington on Friday and immediately began talks with U.S. officials about ending the war.
On Thursday, Sudan’s Sovereignty Council denied any direct or indirect negotiations with the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in the United States. This statement came amid widespread reports of indirect talks beginning in Washington between the warring factions.
Sudan’s Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Friday that Foreign Minister Mohi El-Din Salem is visiting Washington at the invitation of the U.S. government to enhance bilateral relations and cooperation.
The ministry added that the visit aims to advance relations between Khartoum and Washington and continue dialogue on issues of common interest, including supporting peace in Sudan.
It also noted the visit seeks to bolster economic and humanitarian cooperation and discuss opportunities to rebuild the relationship on foundations of mutual respect and shared interests.
Diplomatic sources told Sudan Tribune that the delegation includes Foreign Minister Salem, Director of Military Intelligence Mohamed Sabir, and Amr Abu Obeida, the special secretary to the head of the Sovereignty Council.
Upon arrival, the military attaché at the Sudanese embassy in Washington joined the delegation.
The Sudanese delegation has completed a first round of talks with U.S. State Department representatives, focusing on the army’s vision for ending the war. Discussions also covered proposals from the Quartet—comprising the U.S., Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Egypt—which included a humanitarian truce and a three-month ceasefire.
Despite the Sovereignty Council’s denial, political parties aligned with civilian forces said that negotiations to end the war are making tangible progress.
Meanwhile, an advisor to the RSF commander, Al-Basha Tabiq, said in a post on social media platform X that the Sovereignty Council’s denial of a “military delegation” in preparatory consultations “is not just contradictory but reflects a dangerous reality.”
“This reflects the multiplicity of decision-making centres within the military establishment and attempts by the leadership of the Islamic Movement to buy more time,” Tabiq added.
He continued, “(General) Burhan is using subterfuge to cover up preparations and training that will enable him to continue the war.”
Sudanese journalist and analyst Diaa al-Din Bilal criticised the Sovereignty Council’s statement denying the talks, saying the denial “should have been more detailed and specific” given the widespread circulation of the news.
He clarified that the ongoing talks in Washington do involve “addressing the issue of the war and a proposed American plan.” Still, he stressed that the Sudanese government remains committed to its conditions and the roadmap it previously submitted to the United Nations.
Bilal reiterated the government’s firm position of refusing to deal with the “Quartet” as long as the UAE is part of it, accusing the country of being a “participant, financier, and supporter of this aggression.” He added, “If there is to be any dealing with the UAE, it will be as an enemy, not a mediator.”