Al-Burhan’s Address to Political and Social Forces: Timing and Implications

Report by: Sabah Musa

The speech by the Chairman of the Sovereign Council, General Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan, at the conclusion of the national political and societal consultations on mapping a roadmap for Sudanese-Sudanese dialogue, peace, and political consensus, has garnered widespread attention both locally and internationally. This is due to its relevance in shaping the country’s political landscape in the post-war era.

The People’s Support

In his address, Al-Burhan highlighted the unwavering support of the Sudanese people for the armed forces despite the hardships endured during the war. He emphasized that the military could not have achieved what it did without the people’s backing. He praised the armed forces, other security agencies, joint forces, and volunteers from various sectors, who played a crucial role in the military’s resilience. He also acknowledged the role of national political and social forces that stood by the military in the battle for dignity.

“We must learn from this war to build a nation that is different from what it was before,” Al-Burhan stated, expressing gratitude to those who supported the army with their wealth, writings, and efforts.

A Core Component

Al-Burhan stressed that the recommendations and outcomes of these consultations should be taken seriously to complete the transitional process. He asserted that these national political and societal forces would be an integral part of achieving complete victory across Sudan. He also reiterated that the door remains open for anyone who adopts a patriotic stance, welcoming those who withdraw their support for the aggressors.

Formation of a Government

Al-Burhan called for an inclusive dialogue involving all political and social forces, announcing that a government would soon be formed to manage the transition. He described this upcoming government as either a “caretaker government” or a “war government,” whose purpose would be to assist the state in completing military operations and purging Sudan of rebels. He stated that the government would be composed of independent national experts.

In a strong message to the National Congress Party (NCP), he urged them to refrain from political maneuvering, stating, “If the NCP wants to govern, it must compete in the future alongside other political forces.” Al-Burhan reaffirmed his commitment to building a strong Sudanese state and emphasized that once the constitutional document is approved, a prime minister will be appointed to lead the executive branch without interference.

Reiterating his stance against negotiations with rebels, he declared, “If the rebels lay down their arms and vacate civilian homes and public properties, only then can we talk to them.” He rejected a proposed ceasefire during Ramadan meant to facilitate aid delivery to El-Fasher, stating, “We cannot accept a ceasefire while the terrorist Rapid Support Forces (RSF) continue to besiege the city.” He insisted that any ceasefire must be accompanied by the withdrawal of RSF forces from Khartoum, West Kordofan, and Darfur, with their regrouping in designated locations.

Controversial Reactions

Al-Burhan’s speech was clear, direct, and decisive, sparking debate among analysts regarding its timing and the perceived rush to outline Sudan’s future while war is ongoing. Some questioned the institutional legitimacy of his statements, viewing them as unilateral decisions shaping the nation’s fate. Others saw his speech as a positive step, delivering firm messages that clarified positions and left the door open for those willing to realign themselves.

A notable point of contention was Al-Burhan’s strong message to the NCP, which some found harsh, given that Islamist factions are actively fighting alongside the military in this critical battle.

A “Remarkable” Speech

Dr. Al-Tijani Sisi, head of the Sudanese National Mobilization Forces, described Al-Burhan’s speech as “remarkable.” Speaking to Al-Muhaqiq, he praised Al-Burhan’s openness to all those aligning with the national cause and his willingness to welcome those reconsidering their stance.

Sisi dismissed claims that Al-Burhan’s remarks were premature, arguing that the speech acknowledged that the war is ongoing. He noted that the address was well received by political, civil, and social forces that support the armed forces. “We are part of the stakeholders in this national cause,” he added.

Root Causes of the Crisis

Sisi explained that political and societal forces had presented Al-Burhan with a document outlining Sudan’s crisis since independence. The document emphasized the need to address the root causes of the conflict to break the cycle of recurring crises. It proposed a two-phase transitional period:

1. A one-year foundational phase to establish a Sudanese-Sudanese dialogue conference.

2. A subsequent phase, whose duration would be determined by the conference, where all Sudanese factions would agree on transitional governance arrangements, followed by a constitutional conference.

The Right Stance?

Efforts to reach NCP leaders for comment were unsuccessful. However, NCP official Dr. Yasser Youssef posted a statement on Facebook, affirming his unwavering support for the army and its leadership in liberating all Sudanese territory from the RSF.

“This is the correct stance, taken instinctively by millions of Sudanese who recognize that this battle is a decisive struggle for our very existence. If the RSF wins, it means the end of the state and its collapse,” Youssef wrote.

Too Soon?

Youssef cautioned against hasty decision-making, urging Sudanese leaders to focus on long-term institutional reforms. “We must not allow transient positions to dictate major decisions, as we have always done in the past,” he warned.

He called for the establishment of independent institutions—such as a constitutional court, civil service, public prosecution, electoral commission, and parliament—to determine eligibility for political participation based on legal investigations, not political decrees.

“With all due respect to the army and its leadership, I believe this decision is premature,” Youssef said, advocating for a broader vision for Sudan’s transition.

Policies or Political Messages?

Journalist Osman Mirghani questioned whether Al-Burhan’s speech reflected a well-prepared policy or was merely an impromptu message. Speaking to Al-Muhaqiq, he noted that such addresses are sometimes spontaneous and may not represent official policies.

Mirghani acknowledged that parts of the speech were forward-looking and conciliatory, focusing on the future rather than past conflicts. He viewed Al-Burhan’s announcement of a transitional government and an independent prime minister as positive. However, he criticized his remarks about the NCP as premature, noting that the party itself has no intention of participating in the transitional period, as it advocates for elections.

Unnecessary Provocation?

Mirghani also saw Al-Burhan’s statements against the NCP as unnecessarily harsh. “A softer approach would have been better than saying their return to power would be over Sudanese dead bodies, especially since they are currently fighting alongside him with great dedication,” he argued.

Additionally, he questioned Al-Burhan’s reliance on certain political factions that lack popular legitimacy, warning against reviving old power dynamics through patronage politics.

Mirghani suggested that Al-Burhan’s speech sent mixed signals about military operations, arguing that such remarks should have been delivered in a different forum rather than being intertwined with political discussions.

Source: Al-Muhaqiq