Sudan’s army chief, Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, has declined to participate in peace talks in Switzerland, asserting that his military would “fight for 100 years” if necessary to defeat the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). 

The discussions – which began on 14 August and were hosted by the United States of America alongside Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and the United Arab Emirates – aimed to mitigate the severe humanitarian crisis in Sudan.

However, Burhan’s Sudanese Armed Forces did not attend the talks in person, denouncing them as an attempt to “whitewash” the RSF. On Saturday, 24 August, the General vowed to continue his stand against the rebel forces. 

The ongoing conflict – which started in April 2023 – has caused widespread famine, displacement, and destruction, especially in Darfur, western Sudan.

Currently, more than half of Sudan’s 45 million population is in urgent need of aid, with over 12 million displaced. Despite some progress in opening aid routes, the situation remains critical.

Burhan’s refusal to engage fully in peace negotiations, coupled with the influence of competing international backers, has further complicated efforts to secure a ceasefire and has exacerbated the suffering of millions in Sudan.

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