SUDAN’S leader, Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, has blamed ‘colonial powers’ for exacerbating conflicts across Africa. The head of Sudan’s Sovereign Council made these remarks during a meeting with Guinea-Bissau’s President Umaro Sissoco Embalo at the presidential palace in Bissau on Sunday, according to a statement from the council.
Al-Burhan’s comments came as part of a broader discussion about Sudan’s internal issues, particularly the ongoing conflict between the government and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The two leaders held a bilateral summit to strengthen ties between their countries and explore opportunities for cooperation, the statement added.
Sudan’s conflict and Africa’s awakening
Al-Burhan highlighted Sudan’s recent military successes, including the recapture of the strategically important city of Wad Madani from RSF forces. ‘There are colonial powers working to fuel conflicts on the African continent,’ he stated, emphasising that Africa is undergoing an ‘awakening’ that will allow the continent to resist foreign interference.
He praised African nations that have risen against both historical and contemporary colonialism, noting that many are now pushing back against external powers seeking to influence the continent’s affairs.
Unity among African nations
Guinea-Bissau’s President Embalo expressed his hope for a peaceful resolution to Sudan’s conflict, aligning with Al-Burhan’s calls for greater solidarity among African nations. Al-Burhan’s visit to Guinea-Bissau is part of an ongoing tour of African countries aimed at strengthening diplomatic and economic ties.
His tour, which began in Mali and will also include Sierra Leone and Senegal, underscores Sudan’s desire to forge stronger connections within the continent. In Mali, Al-Burhan met with Mali’s Transitional President Assimi Goïta, where the two leaders discussed mutual interests and cooperation between Khartoum and Bamako, as reported by the Sovereign Council.
African solidarity in times of crisis
Al-Burhan emphasised the shared destiny of African nations, stating that they must support one another through challenges. He welcomed Mali’s stance on Sudan and praised the solidarity that is emerging among African countries.
As Sudan continues to grapple with internal conflict, Al-Burhan’s message underscores the importance of African unity and the need for collective efforts to address both internal and external challenges.
