During an official visit to Guinea-Bissau, Sudanese leader Abdel Fattah al-Burhan attributed many of Africa’s enduring conflicts to the interference of unspecified “colonial powers.” His remarks came during a meeting with Guinea-Bissau’s President Umaro Sissoco Embalo, as part of a broader African tour aimed at fostering regional cooperation and addressing pressing continental challenges.
Al-Burhan’s Regional Tour
The Sudanese head of state’s visit to Guinea-Bissau follows stops in Mali and is set to include trips to Sierra Leone and Senegal, according to a statement from Sudan’s Transitional Sovereignty Council. The tour underscores Sudan’s efforts to strengthen ties with African nations amidst its own internal strife and to rally support against external influences on the continent.
Accusations of Colonial Meddling
At a joint press conference, Al-Burhan accused foreign powers, both historic and modern, of deliberately stoking unrest across Africa.
“Colonial powers are working to fuel conflicts on the African continent,” the Sudanese leader said, as quoted by the Transitional Sovereignty Council.
He highlighted the continent’s ongoing struggle to break free from the remnants of colonial exploitation and resist continued interference in African affairs.
Resistance to Foreign Interference
Al-Burhan also pointed to a growing “African awakening” as a turning point for the continent. He commended nations that have taken bold steps to challenge external dominance, calling their efforts a significant stride toward self-reliance and sovereignty.
“Africa is now experiencing an awakening, enabling it to resist foreign interference in African affairs. We commend the efforts of some African nations that have risen against both old and modern colonialism,” he added.
Calls for Unity Amid Sudan’s Internal Struggles
The discussions also touched on Sudan’s ongoing conflict with the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a crisis that has destabilized the nation and drawn widespread international concern. Al-Burhan reiterated his commitment to restoring stability and emphasized the need for African solidarity in addressing shared challenges.
Guinea-Bissau’s President Umaro Sissoco Embalo expressed his support for Sudan’s efforts to achieve peace and stability. He voiced optimism for a swift resolution to Sudan’s internal conflict, aligning with the broader call for unity and resilience across Africa.
Strengthening African Collaboration
Al-Burhan’s remarks and regional tour highlight a renewed push for African nations to assert their independence and chart their path forward. As the continent grapples with lingering colonial legacies and external pressures, leaders like Al-Burhan are advocating for stronger inter-African cooperation to address these challenges head-on.
