Sudan denies al-Burhan's meeting with Islamic movement

Sudan’s Army Commander-in-Chief, Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, refuted allegations of a recent meeting with Sudanese Army Secretary-General Ali Karti, emphasizing that he had only encountered Karti once in his lifetime.

On Thursday, Sudan Tribune released a report claiming a gathering had taken place between al-Burhan and leaders from the Islamic Movement. The purpose of the meeting was reported to be a discussion regarding the state of affairs in Sudan, particularly given the extensive involvement of these leaders in the struggle against the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and their efforts to mobilize youth across the nation.

This report provoked a strong reaction from the Sovereign Council, which issued a vehement statement condemning the news outlet. The army’s leadership has been grappling with allegations of links to the Muslim Brotherhood. This Islamist organization is met with rejection both within Sudan and among the region’s countries.

The release of this report coincided with Washington’s imposition of sanctions on Ali Karti, a move seen as confirmation of reports suggesting that Islamists were instigating and sustaining the conflict to obstruct Sudan’s transition to democracy and secure their return to power.

Al-Burhan underscored that this war had not been a choice made by the Sudanese army but had been thrust upon them by a faction led by two individuals seeking control of the nation and its resources.

“The destruction of infrastructure, economic sabotage, and the systematic loss of life in Sudan do not reflect the Sudanese people; rather, they are the result of actions taken by ‘intruders’—referring to the involvement of mercenaries fighting alongside the RSF”, he added.