Al-Burhan in New York: Victory or Deception?
The intensity of the fighting between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Khartoum has escalated around strategic military areas such as the General Command of the Army, the armored corps, the signal corps, the engineers, and East Nile. Additionally, the war has expanded in the West Kordofan region. All of this comes as General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan arrives in New York on Wednesday to participate in the United Nations General Assembly, following previous shuttle trips to neighboring capitals such as Cairo, Juba, Kampala, Asmara, and then the Qatari capital, Doha.
Al-Burhan has delivered two contradictory speeches since the outbreak of the Khartoum war and his departure from his besieged hideout in the General Command of the Army, and his subsequent visits to military areas and branches in the states that have not yet been affected by the year-long war.
The first speech was directed to the Sudanese public, signaling the continuation of the war and the goal of eradicating the rebellion. The second speech was directed externally, indicating his desire to end the war, resume a comprehensive political process, and restore the derailed transitional journey since his coup, and his former ally General Hemeti, has become his enemy today.
According to political analysts, Al-Burhan will find himself in an enviable position. He will be heard loud and clear by the world screens, with a single request from all regional and Western countries for an immediate ceasefire and entry into comprehensive political dialogue.
On the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, important meetings involving representatives of countries concerned with the Sudanese crisis, such as the foreign ministers of neighboring countries led by Egypt, the Quartet (the United States, the United Kingdom, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates), and the Troika, as well as the League of Arab States and the African Union, have been held. All these meetings have initiatives calling for a long-term ceasefire and entering into comprehensive political dialogue.
It is quite ironic, as diplomatic circles close to the former regime led by the acting Foreign Minister Ali al-Sadiq and the Sudanese representative at the United Nations have been promoting the idea that Al-Burhans representation in New York is a victory for the current legitimacy, marking the beginning of a plan to reintroduce the General as a recognized leader. He could potentially bring back Islamist elements to the forefront after the RSFs victory.
According to observers, Al-Burhan will find himself in a new predicament. Instead of presenting a speech containing his plan and aspirations as a potential Sudanese leader, he will hear speeches rejecting his dreams. These speeches will emphasize the urgent need to stop the war, restore civilian democratic rule with full civilian authority, integrate militias into a single army that stays away from governance and politics. This is the only way to stabilize Sudan, ensure its territorial integrity, and unite its people.
