Burhan rejects U.S. push for limited Sudan peace talks
August 24 (PORT SUDAN) – Sudan’s military leader Abdel Fattah al-Burhan on Saturday rejected a U.S. proposal to limit peace talks to just the army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
Burhan insisted that any negotiations must include a broader representation of the Sudanese people and government. He accused the U.S. of attempting to sideline civilian voices and legitimize the RSF through recent talks in Geneva.
The U.S. together with Saudi Arabia and Switzerland organised discussions in Geneva on ways to ensure a humanitarian cessation of hostilities. But Sudan boycotted the meeting blaming the American envoy for Sudan for imposing the agenda of the meeting, and rejected the participation of the UAE in the process.
“We will not allow this war to be reduced to a conflict between the armed forces and the Rapid Support militia,” Burhan said at a press conference in Port Sudan. “The rights of the Sudanese people will not be lost as long as armed forces are defending them.”
The military leader also vowed to continue fighting the RSF “even if it takes 100 years” and dismissed any possibility of dialogue with RSF leader Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, known as Hemetti.
Burhan’s defiant stance comes amid escalating international pressure to end the devastating conflict, which has killed thousands and displaced millions since April 2023.
His press conference was held 24 hours after a media briefing in Geneva by the participants in Sudan’s peace meeting.
Burhan also accused the civilian political group, the Forces of Freedom and Change (FFC), of being a “mouthpiece for the militia” and urged them to “repent.”
He claimed Sudan is facing a “major conspiracy” by unnamed international and regional actors, and accused some neighbouring countries of actively conspiring against Sudan while others stand idly by or support the RSF.
Despite these challenges, Burhan expressed confidence in the military’s ability to overcome the obstacles. He described the army’s current military situation as “better than before” but acknowledged the war has dragged on longer than expected.
“The war has dragged on, and it is not known when it will end. War requires patience,” Burhan said.
He also indicated a willingness to form a civilian government of interim technocrats to manage the country’s affairs, but stressed the need for “popular support, a parliament, and popular consultation.”