Sudan has expressed strong support for Turkey’s offer to mediate in its ongoing conflict with the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a move that could help bring an end to the devastating war that has ravaged the country for nearly 20 months. The announcement came following a meeting on Saturday in Port Sudan between Sudanese army chief General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and Turkey’s Deputy Foreign Minister Burhanettin Duran.
Since April 2023, Sudan has been embroiled in a brutal conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), led by Burhan, and the RSF, commanded by Mohamed Hamdan Daglo. The violence has led to tens of thousands of deaths, millions displaced, and a nation on the brink of famine.
During the meeting, Sudanese Foreign Minister Ali Youssef expressed his government’s support for Turkey’s mediation initiative. “Sudan needs brothers and friends like Turkey. The initiative can lead to peace in Sudan,” Youssef stated.
He further revealed that General Burhan had asked Duran to convey Sudan’s gratitude for Turkey’s offer to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, underlining Sudan’s eagerness to collaborate with Turkey in the pursuit of peace.
The Turkish mediation offer was first proposed by President Erdogan during a phone call with General Burhan in December 2024. In the conversation, Erdogan emphasized Turkey’s willingness to support the establishment of peace and stability in Sudan and warned against Sudan becoming a focal point for external interference. He also highlighted the importance of resolving tensions with regional actors such as the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which has been embroiled in the conflict.
Sudan’s military-backed government has accused the UAE of supporting the RSF, an allegation consistently denied by Abu Dhabi. The Sudanese government claimed that RSF forces had launched UAE-supplied drones from Chad, further complicating the already volatile regional dynamics.
In response, Deputy Foreign Minister Burhanettin Duran stressed the necessity of “concerted efforts” from multiple regional players to resolve Sudan’s crisis. He assured that Turkey was prepared to mobilize other regional actors to assist in brokering peace. The UAE, despite tensions, has also expressed its readiness to cooperate with Turkey’s diplomatic efforts.
