On Tuesday, Sudan’s de facto leader, Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, hosted Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed in Port Sudan, marking the highest-level state visit since the conflict between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) began in April 2023. The visit underscores the strong ties between the two nations amidst ongoing turmoil in Sudan.
Al-Burhan, who has been leading the Sudanese army in its war against the RSF for over a year, used the occasion to brief Ahmed on the “crimes and atrocities” committed by the RSF, which he described as a “terrorist militia’s rebellion against the state and its institutions.” The meeting, held behind closed doors, highlighted al-Burhan’s concerns about the RSF’s impact on Sudan’s stability.
The Ethiopian Prime Minister’s office stated that Ahmed’s visit was part of his commitment to finding sustainable solutions for Sudan’s stability. This visit comes as the African Union, headquartered in Addis Ababa, attempts to revive truce talks between al-Burhan and RSF commander Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo.
Sudan’s ruling Transitional Sovereignty Council emphasized the importance of the visit, calling it a “testament to the depth of relations” between Sudan and Ethiopia. Despite ongoing mediation efforts by the United States and Saudi Arabia, as well as East African leaders, the rival generals continue to seek tactical advantage, hindering peace negotiations.
The conflict in Sudan, a nation of 48 million, has resulted in the deaths of tens of thousands, with some estimates suggesting the death toll could be as high as 150,000, according to U.S. envoy to Sudan Tom Perriello. The violence has also displaced nearly 10 million people, devastated the country’s infrastructure and healthcare systems, and pushed Sudan to the brink of famine.
Al-Burhan’s army faction has largely dismissed East African mediation efforts, accusing regional leaders of aligning with the RSF. As Sudan grapples with this ongoing crisis, Ahmed’s visit represents a significant diplomatic effort to support stability and peace in the region.
