Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, president of Sudan’s transitional sovereignty council, touched down in Riyadh on Monday for critical high-level discussions. His one-day visit to Saudi Arabia underscores a renewed diplomatic urgency to resolve the devastating conflict gripping his nation.
The talks centered on a meeting with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, where both leaders reviewed the path toward stability. This engagement represents a vital component of the broader Sudan peace talks, as regional powers scramble to halt a war that has raged since April 2023.
Diplomatic Push to End the Crisis
The stakes could not be higher. The United Nations currently classifies the situation in Sudan as the world’s worst humanitarian crisis.
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Tens of thousands have been killed.
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Millions remain displaced.
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Infrastructure has been decimated.
Against this grim backdrop, Sudanese officials characterized the Riyadh meeting as both “successful” and “friendly.” The dialogue focused on immediate initiatives to restore security to the war-torn state.
Saudi Arabia’s Pivotol Role
Riyadh has emerged as a central broker in the negotiations between Burhan’s Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The Kingdom operates as a key member of the “Quad,” a diplomatic coalition dedicated to enforcing a ceasefire.
The “Quad” members include:
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Saudi Arabia
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The United States
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Egypt
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The United Arab Emirates
This coalition is actively working to bridge the divide between the warring factions and establish a sustainable political solution.
Strengthening Ties Through New Council
Beyond the immediate conflict, the visit solidified long-term bilateral mechanisms. Discussions highlighted the importance of the Saudi–Sudanese Coordination Council.
Established recently in October, this body acts as the primary framework for cooperation between the two nations. It aims to ensure that once the guns fall silent, there is a robust structure in place to rebuild the shattered relationship and the country itself.
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