Al-Burhan’s Reception in Port Sudan: Political and Military Messages

Port Sudan, the temporary administrative capital of the Sudanese government and the capital of the Red Sea State in eastern Sudan, was adorned with national flags and pictures of the martyrs of the Battle of Dignity. This was in preparation for welcoming the Chairman of the Sovereign Council, General Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan, upon his return from his African tour. The event also featured celebrations along the Red Sea Corniche, where prominent artist Nadda Al-Qalaa performed, commemorating the army’s victories and its control over Wad Madani.

From Tuesday morning, thousands of Red Sea State residents gathered at the airport and along Port Sudan’s main roads, chanting slogans like “One People… One Army.”

Al-Burhan’s motorcade passed from the airport through the city, following his return from an African tour that included Mali, Guinea-Bissau, Sierra Leone, Senegal, and Mauritania. Accompanying him were Ambassador Hussein Al-Amin, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; General Ahmed Ibrahim Mufaddal, Director-General of the General Intelligence Service; and Merghani Idris, Director-General of the Defense Industries System.

On the Red Sea Corniche, Al-Burhan addressed the crowd, saying:

“We honor our martyrs who are more noble than us all. Greetings to the people of the Red Sea State and Port Sudan. Greetings to all Sudanese who have shown genuine support for the fighters. To all those fighting this enemy across ranks, we have little to say – our words lie ahead in our actions. Congratulations to the people of Al-Jazirah State, to the forces that liberated it, and to our brothers who fought in Al-Fasher.”

He added:

“We salute those standing firm across the country, enduring attacks at the command center and elsewhere. This is the Sudanese people’s battle, and we all stand united against this enemy. We will not stop until this enemy is eliminated. We’ve said this before and won’t repeat it again.”

Al-Burhan stressed that the war would not cease until the enemy is completely defeated. He urged citizens who suffered violations by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) not to take justice into their own hands but to hand over perpetrators to the authorities.

“We are a disciplined armed force that operates according to laws and humanitarian norms. We are not a militia,” he said.

Addressing victims of RSF crimes in areas like Wad Noura and Takina, he advised:

“Do not take revenge into your hands. Hand over any perpetrators to the government authorities. We are a professional army with systems and regulations in place.”

He also directed that the images of martyrs be displayed instead of his own or others, emphasizing the importance of honoring those who sacrificed their lives for victory.

“We must honor our martyrs. They are the ones who brought us victory. From now on, no pictures of Al-Burhan or anyone else; we only want pictures of the martyrs. We also have a duty to care for their families and honor them appropriately.”

Al-Burhan promised that residents of Khartoum and other affected areas would soon return to their homes, saying:

“Our people in Khartoum, Geneina, and Al-Fasher will return with heads held high. Our pledge to the Sudanese people is unwavering. We will not rest until this militia is eradicated and peace is restored across Sudan.”

Al-Burhan confirmed the continuation of military operations, particularly in North Darfur and Khartoum Bahri, stating:

“The battles are ongoing, with over thirty active operations. Their end is near. We have set a trap for them, and it will seal their fate.”

He called on RSF fighters to surrender, offering them an opportunity to reintegrate into society.

“Anyone who regains their senses and chooses to return to reason is welcome. But anyone who insists on fighting will meet their end.”

Al-Burhan urged community leaders to discourage their sons from joining the RSF.

“Do not send your children to die. Do not send them to slaughter. The Sudanese state can accommodate us all, and the nation is big enough for everyone.”

Concluding his speech, Al-Burhan expressed commitment to rebuilding Sudan, taking a jab at the transitional period under the Forces of Freedom and Change:

“We will rebuild Sudan—not like they did during the transitional period.”