KHARTOUM: General Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan, the Sudanese army chief embroiled in a protracted conflict with paramilitaries for several months, is en route to New York to address the UN General Assembly, according to his office. General Burhan, who has been the de facto leader of Sudan since a coup in 2021, will be leading the Sudanese delegation to the annual UN session, as confirmed by the Sovereignty Council he presides over.
General Burhan’s visit to the United Nations comes on the heels of a series of diplomatic missions abroad. Last month, he shifted his base of operations to Port Sudan from the army headquarters in Khartoum, where he had been besieged since the outbreak of hostilities with the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) led by his former deputy, General Mohamed Hamdan Daglo, on April 15.
Analysts suggest that the general’s diplomatic endeavors are aimed at bolstering his legitimacy, potentially in anticipation of negotiations to resolve the ongoing conflict. In recent weeks, General Burhan has visited Egypt, South Sudan, Qatar, Eritrea, Turkey, and Uganda.
Sudan Army Chief to Address UN General Assembly
During his visit to the UN General Assembly, General Burhan intends to address the assembly directly and participate in “high-level meetings” on the sidelines, as stated in an official statement. His presence at the international forum underscores the gravity of the internal strife within Sudan and the pressing need for engagement on the global stage.
The ongoing conflict in Sudan has exacted a heavy toll, resulting in the loss of at least 7,500 lives, according to the NGO Acled. The United Nations reports that over five million people have been displaced from their homes due to the violence.
General Burhan’s appearance at the UN General Assembly signifies an effort to garner international support and involvement in resolving the crisis, which has had a devastating impact on Sudan’s population and stability.
