Sudan’s army chief Burhan holds rare talks with UK military delegation
January 26, 2026 (PORT SUDAN) – Sudanese army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan held rare talks with a British military delegation in Port Sudan on Monday to discuss a ceasefire and issues of mutual interest, the Sovereignty Council said.
The discussions took place ahead of Britain assuming the presidency of the U.N. Security Council in February. As the “penholder” for Sudan, the UK is responsible for drafting resolutions and managing negotiations within the Council.
The Sovereignty Council said Burhan met with a delegation led by Admiral Edward Ahlgren, the British Ministry of Defence’s Senior Military Adviser for the Middle East and North Africa. The delegation also included UK Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa Richard Crowder and the British military attaché in Cairo.
The meeting covered overall developments in Sudan, efforts to achieve peace and stability, and bilateral relations between the two countries.
Crowder said the delegation held important talks with the Sovereignty Council leader regarding the urgent need for a ceasefire. He noted that the discussions addressed the parties’ commitment to civilian protection in accordance with the Jeddah Declaration signed on May 11, 2023.
The Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) signed the Jeddah Declaration during negotiations mediated by the United States and Saudi Arabia, but the process was suspended after both sides failed to meet their obligations.
Crowder said the United Kingdom will take over the Security Council presidency next month and will co-host a conference in Berlin with Germany in April to support Sudan. He reaffirmed the UK government’s support for Sudan in achieving security, restoring services, and promoting recovery.
The envoy praised the historical relations between the two nations in education, culture, and development, noting the contributions of the Sudanese community in the UK.
Crowder stated that the delegation was deeply shocked by the situation in El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur, citing reports of brutality and large-scale killings. The RSF has been accused of carrying out ethnic cleansing, mass killings, and widespread sexual violence after taking control of El Fasher in late October, following a months-long siege that began in May 2024.
Crowder stressed the need for international efforts led by the United States and partners to end the conflict and atrocities in El Fasher. He emphasized London’s commitment to coordinating with the U.S., Norway, the United Nations, the European Union, and the African Union to ensure sustainable peace and stability.