The situation in Sudan remains volatile, with both sides blaming each other for civilian casualties. Egypt and Iran support SAF (Sudanese Armed Forces), while the UAE supports Hemedti’s RSF (Rapid Support Forces. In December 2023, Sudan expelled 15 diplomats from the UAE on allegations that the UAE has been funneling weapons to the RSF. Allegedly, the private mercenary company Wagner that operates independently from Russia is working with Hemedti/SAF.
In May 2024, former US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said that it would be a major gain for Russia’s President Putin if Hemedti were to win the war in Sudan. He probably made a miscalculation to believe that al-Burhan wouldn’t resume plans for a Russian naval base.
With the US and allies likely panicking, on July 23rd, 2024, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken invited Sudan’s military to participate in proposed talks with RSF in Switzerland on August 14th. The talks would be hosted by Switzerland, co-hosted by KSA and with the African Union, Egypt, UAE and the US as observers. The RSF agreed to attend, but al-Burhan said.
The government made clear that any negotiations before…full withdrawal and an end to expansion (by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces) will not be acceptable to the Sudanese people.
He did request meetings with US officials to discuss the agenda for the talks. In a tweet from August 5th, 2024, al-Burhan wrote: “I received a call from US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken and spoke to him about the necessity of addressing the concerns of the Sudanese government before starting any negotiations.
Knowing US’ history when it comes to the invasion and destruction of other countries, it’s hard to believe that Blinken is in any way interested in creating peace in the geo-politically strategic region. If anything, they likely want a puppet in Sudan (whether it be al-Burhan or Hemedti) who will work with them rather than with Russia, Iran and China.
With Sudan being the third leading producer of gold in Africa, the recent Freudian slip by US Senator Todd Young may give an idea of US’ intentions in Africa.
It’s to be hoped that, for the many innocent people in Sudan, peace will be achieved in the country and that whoever leads Sudan will align itself with a multipolar world.