Sudan’s army chief, General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, has welcomed Turkey’s proposal to mediate peace in the ongoing 20-month conflict. During a meeting in Port Sudan, he instructed Turkey’s deputy foreign minister to convey this support to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The conflict has resulted in severe humanitarian crises, with calls for joint international efforts to stabilize the situation in Sudan.
In a significant diplomatic move, Sudan’s army chief, General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, has expressed support for Turkey’s proposal to mediate peace in the ongoing conflict that has ravaged Sudan for the past 20 months. This development arose during a recent meeting in Port Sudan, where Burhan instructed Turkey’s deputy foreign minister, Burhanettin Duran, to relay the Sudanese leadership’s welcome of the Turkish initiative to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Foreign Minister Ali Youssef emphasized the importance of Turkey as a supportive partner, stating, “Sudan needs brothers and friends like Turkey.”
Erdogan’s outreach to Burhan included assurances that Turkey is willing to help resolve disputes not only within Sudan but also between Sudan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), a country the Sudanese government has accused of backing the paramilitary forces contrary to its official stance. The conflict, stemming from the rivalry between Burhan and former deputy Mohamed Hamdan Daglo, leader of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), has acted as a catalyst for widespread devastation, resulting in tens of thousands of deaths and the displacement of approximately 12 million individuals. The situation poses a dire humanitarian crisis as the war escalates, pushing the nation to the brink of famine.
Turkey’s Duran remarked after his discussions with Burhan that addressing the peace process requires coordinated efforts and that Turkey is poised to play a pivotal role in fostering collaboration among regional players to conclude the ongoing conflict. Additionally, the UAE has expressed a willingness to cooperate with Turkey’s diplomatic initiatives, reaffirming its commitment to a collaborative approach in resolving the crisis. The need for effective international mediation remains crucial as the situation in Sudan continues to deteriorate, underscoring the potential impact of external influences upon the conflict.
The conflict in Sudan originates from the power struggle between the army and paramilitary factions, particularly the RSF, resulting in catastrophic humanitarian consequences. Over the last 20 months, this internal strife has caused severe casualties and widespread displacement among civilians. Various nations, including Turkey and the UAE, have shown interests in mediating to establish peace due to their geopolitical interests in the region, prompted by accusations surrounding foreign interventions, particularly concerning the RSF. The ongoing turmoil has led to a call for collaborative diplomatic efforts to avert further suffering and stabilize the region.
In conclusion, the endorsement of Turkey’s initiative by Sudan’s military leadership indicates a potential shift towards finding a resolution to a protracted conflict that has had devastating effects on the Sudanese populace. As Turkey and the UAE express their willingness to engage diplomatically, the unfolding situation underscores the critical need for international cooperation to bring lasting peace to Sudan and safeguard its citizens from further humanitarian crises.
Original Source: www.barrons.com
