Sudan’s Military pledges support for civilian government as conflict continues
Sudan’s Sovereign Council leader, Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, reaffirmed, on Thursday March 27, the military’s commitment to paving the way for a civilian Government to take power, following a meeting with Germany’s envoy to the Horn of Africa, Heiko Nitschke, in Port Sudan.
The meeting discussed “efforts exerted by the Sudanese government to achieve peace and facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid to those in need,” the Sovereign Council said in a statement.
Al-Burhan, who also heads the Sudanese armed forces, reiterated that the military is not interested in politics but is focused on creating the necessary conditions for a democratically elected civilian government. This declaration comes amidst ongoing efforts to foster peace and facilitate humanitarian aid for those affected by Sudan’s brutal conflict.
The discussions between al-Burhan and Nitschke centerd on Sudan’s peace initiatives, including the country’s efforts to provide aid to the millions of displaced and war-affected civilians. Additionally, the two officials touched upon the importance of initiating an inclusive dialogue among all Sudanese groups to form a transitional technocratic government that could lead the nation toward free and fair elections. Despite al-Burhan’s assurances, many remain skeptical, given the military’s central role in the ongoing civil war and its history of involvement in Sudan’s politics.
Since the outbreak of the war between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in April 2023, over 20,000 people have been killed, and 14 million displaced, according to the UN. However, other reports suggest the true death toll may be as high as 130,000.
With the war continuing to spread across 13 of Sudan’s 18 states, the international community, including the UN and Germany, has urged an end to the violence and warned of a growing humanitarian crisis. As the country grapples with the aftermath of this devastating conflict, the promise of a civilian-led government offers a glimmer of hope, though the path ahead remains uncertain.