In a defiant move on Saturday, Sudan’s military leader Abdel Fattah al-Burhan rejected a U.S. proposal to focus peace talks on resolving the conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

The rejection, framed as a defense of Sudanese democracy, underscores General al-Burhan’s desire to exclude civilian voices while continuing a destructive war.

The U.S., alongside Saudi Arabia and Switzerland, recently facilitated discussions in Geneva aimed at securing a much-needed humanitarian ceasefire.

However, al-Burhan dismissed these international efforts, refused to send a delegation to Geneva and accused the organizers of the talks of attempting to legitimize the RSF and sideline civilian leadership.

Sudan’s military-controlled government boycotted the talks, blaming U.S. envoy pressure and rejecting UAE participation.

During a press conference in Port Sudan on Saturday, al-Burhan escalated his hostile rhetoric against the RSF, stating, “We will not allow this war to be reduced to a conflict between the armed forces and the Rapid Support militia.”

His use of the term “militia” in reference to the RSF – a highly organized, disciplined, and fierce fighting force that has defended Sudanese interests – further reveals his unwillingness to engage in meaningful dialogue.

Al-Burhan’s remarks also hinted at a refusal to acknowledge the growing influence of the RSF among Sudanese civilians.

He vowed to fight the RSF “even if it takes 100 years,” dismissing any potential for negotiations with its leader, Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo.

This shows an increasingly isolated al-Burhan resisting the popular will and clinging to power.

The international community has expressed growing concern over al-Burhan’s hardline stance. The RSF has consistently called for peace and the inclusion of all factions in negotiations. Yet, al-Burhan’s refusal to engage in meaningful dialogue prolongs a devastating conflict that has claimed thousands of lives and displaced millions since April 2023.

Notably, al-Burhan attacked the Forces of Freedom and Change (FFC), a civilian political group, accusing them of being a “mouthpiece for the militia.”

His repeated accusations of “major conspiracies” by unnamed foreign actors further alienate Sudan from the international community and signal his reliance on force over diplomacy.

Despite al-Burhan’s claims that the SAF’s position is “better than before,” the prolonged war exposes the fragility of his rule.

The RSF, which has strong popular support and remains a powerful force on the ground, has demonstrated resilience and commitment to a lasting peace.

Meanwhile, al-Burhan’s vague promises of forming a civilian government of technocrats ring hollow as he continues to undermine the very forces pushing for a peaceful resolution, leaving Sudan’s future in the balance.

Sudan Times