Sudan's Army Chief Al Burhan Prolonging War to Maintain Power, Warns Former Official

The head of the Sudanese Armed Forces, Abdel Fattah Al Burhan, is clinging to the war because continued fighting allows him to remain at the head of the military and the de facto authorities, according to Mohamed Al Faky, a former civilian member of the country's ruling Sovereignty Council.

“For him, the war is a matter of life or death,” Mr Al Faky stated in an interview with Sky News Arabia. “He is clinging to the fighting because it is what allows him to remain at the head of the military institution and to lead the de facto authority.” Mr Al Faky noted that Mr Al Burhan lacked legitimacy beyond what he termed the “legitimacy of fighting” and would reject any peace deal that threatens his position in power.

Mr Al Faky further accused the Muslim Brotherhood of fueling the conflict to facilitate their return to power, adding that Mr Al Burhan relies on military force, territorial control, and ongoing warfare to sustain his authority. The brutal conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces has devastated the nation of 50 million, triggering a massive humanitarian crisis with approximately 14 million displaced people.

Currently, the Rapid Support Forces control the Darfur region alongside parts of Kordofan and Blue Nile, while the Sudanese Armed Forces maintain control over Khartoum, as well as northern, central, and eastern Sudan. Rival administrations have emerged, with the army-aligned government based in Port Sudan and the Rapid Support Forces administration operating from Nyala.

Meanwhile, expert and senior government consultant Nidal Shoukeir emphasized that Europe strongly supports a civilian-led government in Sudan and opposes military rule and alleged Islamist ties. Mr Shoukeir noted that European nations and the United States are considering increased pressure and tougher sanctions to force the warring sides toward stability. He also called for an urgent international investigation into allegations that the army used chlorine in attacks, warning that obstructing investigators could reinforce suspicions of war crimes.