Al-Burhan's Optimism Amid Ongoing Conflict in Sudan
Lieutenant General Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan, Chairman of the Sudanese Transitional Sovereignty Council, expressed a strong commitment to preserving the Sudanese state and its institutions during his address at the 12th edition of the World Urban Forum in Cairo. Al-Burhan emphasized the determination of both the Sudanese people and the army to confront threats against their existence and statehood. He expressed optimism about the imminent end of the ongoing conflict and the potential for reconstruction efforts to begin soon.
Al-Burhan's remarks come in the context of a brutal war that has been raging since mid-April 2023, primarily between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), led by Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, commonly known as Hemeti. This conflict has resulted in over 20,000 deaths and displaced more than 11 million people, prompting urgent appeals from international bodies to cease hostilities and prevent a looming humanitarian crisis. The fighting has led to severe food shortages affecting millions across 13 of Sudan's 18 states.
In his speech, Al-Burhan condemned the RSF for committing various atrocities, including killings, rapes, and looting, which he characterized as crimes against humanity and ethnic cleansing. He accused the RSF of employing foreign mercenaries to destabilize the transitional government and seize control, undermining efforts for a peaceful resolution.
Al-Burhan's hopeful outlook on the future of Sudan includes expectations for international support in the reconstruction phase, particularly in urban rehabilitation. He believes that the recommendations from the World Urban Forum will aid the Sudanese people's aspirations for rebuilding their nation and achieving sustainable development that can benefit the region as a whole.
