Sudan Welcomes Türkiye’s Initiative to Mediate 20-Month Conflict
Port Sudan, The Gulf Observer: Sudan’s army chief, General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, has expressed his support for Türkiye’s proposal to mediate the prolonged and brutal conflict between Sudan’s military forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
During a meeting in Port Sudan on Saturday, General Burhan conveyed his gratitude for Türkiye’s efforts to resolve the crisis. He asked Türkiye’s Deputy Foreign Minister, Burhanettin Duran, to relay Sudan’s acceptance of the initiative to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. Sudanese Foreign Minister Ali Youssef confirmed the development in a subsequent briefing.
“Sudan needs brothers and friends like Türkiye,” Youssef stated, emphasizing the potential of Türkiye’s initiative to bring about lasting peace in the war-torn country.
Duran acknowledged the complexity of the peace process, stating that it requires “concerted efforts” from all stakeholders. He affirmed Türkiye’s commitment to playing a pivotal role in mobilizing regional actors to overcome obstacles to peace.
Regional Support for Turkish Mediation
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has also expressed support for Türkiye’s diplomatic efforts. In a statement last week, the UAE Foreign Ministry welcomed Türkiye’s initiative and affirmed its readiness to collaborate on resolving the Sudanese conflict.
“The UAE is fully prepared to cooperate and coordinate with Turkish efforts and all diplomatic initiatives to end the conflict in Sudan and find a comprehensive solution to the crisis,” the statement read.
In a phone call with General Burhan in early December, President Erdoğan reiterated Türkiye’s willingness to mediate not only between Sudanese factions but also between Sudan and the UAE. Erdoğan emphasized the need to prevent Sudan from becoming a battleground for external interventions.
A Nation in Crisis
The Sudanese conflict, which erupted 20 months ago, pits General Burhan against his former deputy and RSF leader, Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo. The fighting has led to catastrophic humanitarian consequences, with tens of thousands killed and over 12 million displaced.
The Sudanese government has repeatedly accused the UAE of backing the RSF, a claim the UAE has denied. In recent months, tensions escalated further with allegations that the RSF used UAE-assembled drones launched from neighboring Chad.
The ongoing war has pushed Sudan to the brink of famine, with analysts warning that external involvement risks prolonging the suffering of the Sudanese people.
Türkiye’s Commitment to Peace
Türkiye’s mediation initiative underscores its growing role in regional diplomacy. Both Sudan and its allies, including the UAE, view Turkish efforts as a possible pathway to de-escalation and a comprehensive resolution to the conflict.
As Sudan grapples with the devastation of war, the international community watches closely, hoping Türkiye’s initiative will lead to meaningful progress toward peace.
