Al-Burhan’s Plane… The Symbolism of the Event

Before Sunset

Abdelmalik Al-Naeem Ahmed

This week, the presidential plane carrying General Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan and his accompanying delegation landed at Khartoum International Airport — the first aircraft to touch down on the runway in more than two years since the outbreak of war on April 15, 2023.

It is well known that both the airport and the General Command were scenes of intense battles that claimed the lives of hundreds of members of the armed forces, security forces, and many civilians who were pursued by the rebel militia in their homes and nearby residential areas. Naturally, the airport did not escape the assaults of these mercenaries, who began their destruction by targeting the runways, attacking landing aircraft at the time, and burning or destroying all civilian airport facilities — terminals, offices, towers, and more — rendering the airport completely unfit for air traffic, even after the liberation of Khartoum.

The landing of the plane carrying the President of the Sovereign Council, General Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan, at this particular time is loaded with meaning and carries several messages to different audiences. First, it reflects the courage and boldness of the Commander-in-Chief of the Sudanese Armed Forces, who has toured conflict zones amidst public gatherings, standing by the people and affirming his commitment to their cause.

Another message is directed internally — that the journey of reconstruction and rehabilitation must begin, with Sudanese hands rebuilding the rest of the airport facilities, so it can soon be announced as ready to receive flights from around the world. A message to the outside world says that Sudan, through the efforts of its own people, is capable of restoring normal life. To friendly and brotherly nations, it is a call to repay some of their debt to Sudan.

The landing of General Al-Burhan’s plane coincided with several events that reinforce the symbolism mentioned — that the landing doesn’t necessarily mean the airport is fully ready, but that every great journey starts with a single step, and encouraging others begins with turning symbolism into real momentum.

The visit coincided with a meeting of the committee formed by Al-Burhan, chaired by General Ibrahim Jaber, tasked with the reconstruction of Khartoum. It also coincided with the return of the Minister of Interior to resume his ministry’s operations from Khartoum, as well as the visit of Prime Minister Dr. Kamal Idris to the capital, where he met the state governor, toured residential areas to check on citizens, and visited the Al-Gaili Refinery to signal the urgent need to restart its reconstruction and operation.

If the presence of these leaders in Khartoum serves as a symbol and a call to normalize life in the post-war period, then the top priority of General Ibrahim Jaber’s committee must be restoring security across the state. With security, other needs such as water, electricity, and daily essentials, while important, become more bearable in their absence. But the absence of security means the absence of life itself — especially with ongoing incidents of assault, looting, and intimidation even in so-called “safe” neighborhoods.

The withdrawal of all armed forces in military uniforms from Khartoum has become an urgent necessity. Disarming civilians, deploying police throughout the state, and reestablishing comprehensive security checkpoints and police presence — all are essential to reassuring citizens and restoring trust in the police, intelligence, and internal security agencies. These institutions must take the lead in protecting neighborhoods and residents and in tracking down remaining collaborators with the Rapid Support Forces and militias still embedded in residential areas.

Turning the symbolism of Al-Burhan’s plane — and other events — into a lived reality that facilitates the return of displaced citizens to their homes requires great effort on the ground. The citizen is, of course, a true partner in this journey — once the security that allows him to sleep peacefully in his home is secured, even if water and electricity are still lacking.