Sudan’s army chief, Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, has welcomed an offer by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to mediate and resolve the devastating 20-month conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Sudanese Foreign Minister Ali Youssef conveyed Burhan’s response after a meeting in Port Sudan on Saturday with Turkey’s Deputy Foreign Minister Burhanettin Duran.
“Sudan needs brothers and friends like Turkey,” Youssef said, expressing optimism that Turkey’s initiative could pave the way for lasting peace in the war-ravaged nation. In a December phone call with Burhan, Erdogan proposed Ankara’s role in promoting “peace and stability” in Sudan, while also addressing regional tensions, including disputes with the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The Sudanese government has accused the UAE of supporting the RSF, claims the Gulf nation has consistently denied. Analysts have echoed these suspicions, further straining Sudan-UAE relations. Sudanese officials recently alleged that RSF forces had launched UAE-assembled drones from Chad. However, last month, the UAE informed the United States it would not supply weapons to Sudanese paramilitaries, according to US lawmakers.
Turkey’s Duran emphasized that a peace process would require collective efforts, adding that Ankara was prepared to engage regional actors to help end the conflict. The UAE, which has faced international criticism for its alleged role, stated last week that it welcomed Turkey’s diplomatic push.
“The UAE is fully prepared to cooperate and coordinate with Turkish efforts and other initiatives to resolve the crisis in Sudan,” the Emirati foreign ministry said.
Since April 2023, the conflict between Burhan and his former deputy, RSF leader Mohamed Hamdan Daglo, has killed tens of thousands and displaced over 12 million people. Humanitarian conditions continue to deteriorate, with millions on the brink of famine. While Turkey’s mediation offers hope, analysts warn that prolonged external interference risks exacerbating Sudan’s crisis.
As diplomatic efforts gain traction, the international community is closely watching whether Turkish and UAE collaboration can bring about peace and end Sudan’s suffering.
