Al-Burhan Meets Mohammed bin Salman in Riyadh as EU Envoys Call for Sudan Ceasefire

Riyadh talks amid war

General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan traveled to Riyadh to meet Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) at the Al-Yamamah Palace, with discussions focused on “the latest developments in the Republic of Sudan” and efforts to restore security and stability.

The Afrik report places the meeting amid Sudan’s civil war that began in April 2023, when “a war has pitted the army, led by al-Burhan, against the Rapid Support Forces (RSF),” and says the conflict has “already claimed about 24,000 lives and displaced millions.”

Radio Tamazuj says the EU Heads of Mission concluded their first joint visit to Sudan since the outbreak of war in April 2023, and that the delegation met senior Sudanese officials including Lt. Gen. Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, head of the Sovereignty Council and commander of the Sudanese Armed Forces.

In Khartoum and Port Sudan, the EU envoys called for de-escalation and an immediate move toward a comprehensive ceasefire, while also stressing safe humanitarian access through corridors and protected areas for civilians.

The same Radio Tamazuj account says the envoys expressed concern over reported violations of international humanitarian law, including incidents in El Fasher and Gezira State, and said humanitarian access restrictions must be lifted.

Reporting for this sectionAfrikRadio Tamazuj

EU message and debate

After the EU delegation’s two-day visit to Khartoum and Port Sudan, Radio Dabanga quotes the delegations’ statement that “the visit is a sign of the deepest sympathy for all Sudanese people in light of the immense suffering they have endured over four years of war.”

Radio Dabanga also records Osman Mirghani, editor-in-chief of the Al Tayyar newspaper, saying “There’s nothing new in it,” arguing that the visit’s final statement contained nothing beyond what was understandable within the European Union’s previous positions.

Radio Tamazuj says the EU delegation, led by EU Ambassador to Sudan Wolfram Vetter, included seven ambassadors and six deputy heads of mission from 10 EU member states, and that it met Foreign Minister Mohyeldin Salim Ahmed Ibrahim and Prime Minister Dr. Kamil Idris.

Radio Tamazuj adds that the envoys backed ongoing international mediation efforts led by the Quad and the Quintet, and urged Sudanese authorities to engage constructively in political talks aimed at a civilian-led transition.

Sudanayl, citing Al-Masry Al-Youm, says the EU warned against a repetition of “horrific massacres and flagrant violations of the most basic human rights,” while also stressing safe zones and humanitarian corridors as an initial step toward a comprehensive ceasefire.

Ceasefire, unity, and risks

Radio Dabanga says the EU delegation called on all parties to the conflict in Sudan to de-escalate as a crucial step toward a comprehensive ceasefire, while also demanding an immediate end to the humanitarian siege imposed on civilians and cities. The same Radio Dabanga account says the heads of missions emphasised the need to prevent a recurrence of “horrific massacres and flagrant violations of the most basic human rights,” particularly in El Fasher and Al Jazeera State, and urged an immediate end to the humanitarian siege. Radio Tamazuj reports that the EU envoys opposed efforts to form parallel governing authorities and criticised continued external military support to the warring parties, saying it was prolonging the conflict.

Sudanayl says the EU expressed “deep concern about the risk of the conflict extending to Sudan’s neighbors,” warning of further instability, displacement, terrorism, human trafficking, and drugs. Across the accounts, the EU’s stated focus on preserving Sudan’s unity, territorial integrity, and sovereignty is paired with calls for combating impunity and ensuring accountability, as the envoys urged Sudanese authorities to engage constructively with the Quad and the Quintet.

Reporting for this sectionSudanayl