Sudan's al-Burhan visits Saudi Arabia, Oman in diplomatic tour
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RIYADH — Sudan's military chairman Abdel Fattah al-Burhan arrived in Saudi Arabia on Monday for high-level talks with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, marking a significant diplomatic engagement amid ongoing regional instability. The visit, which concluded late Monday, was followed by al-Burhan's immediate departure to Oman, where he is scheduled to meet Sultan Haitham bin Tariq.
The two-day tour represents a concerted effort by Sudan's leadership to engage Gulf Cooperation Council members during a critical period for the nation. Al-Burhan, who has led the country since the 2021 military takeover, has faced increasing pressure to resolve the conflict that has displaced millions and destabilized the region. The meetings in Riyadh and Muscat are expected to address humanitarian aid, regional security, and potential pathways to a political settlement.
Saudi Arabia has long positioned itself as a key mediator in Sudanese affairs, hosting previous peace talks and providing significant financial support to the country. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has emphasized the importance of stability in Sudan for broader regional security. The Saudi government has not released official details regarding the agenda of Monday's meeting, though officials in Riyadh confirmed al-Burhan's presence and the conclusion of their discussions.
Oman, under Sultan Haitham bin Tariq, has also maintained a neutral stance in the conflict, often serving as a backchannel for diplomatic communications. The Sultanate's foreign policy has traditionally emphasized quiet diplomacy and mediation. Al-Burhan's visit to Muscat is seen as an effort to broaden international support for his administration and potentially secure additional backing for reconstruction efforts.
The timing of the visits coincides with renewed calls from the United Nations and international humanitarian organizations for a ceasefire in Sudan. The conflict, which began in April 2023 between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, has created one of the world's largest displacement crises. Millions of civilians remain in need of urgent assistance, with food insecurity and disease outbreaks posing severe threats.
Neither al-Burhan's office nor the governments of Saudi Arabia or Oman have released joint statements or detailed outcomes from the meetings. The lack of immediate public declarations has left observers uncertain about the specific agreements reached or the next steps in the diplomatic process. Questions remain regarding whether the visits will lead to tangible progress in ending the conflict or securing additional international support for Sudan's recovery.
The diplomatic tour underscores the continued involvement of Gulf states in Sudan's political future. As al-Burhan continues his engagements in the region, attention remains focused on whether these high-level meetings will translate into concrete actions to address the humanitarian crisis and political deadlock that has gripped the country for over two years.