General Abdelfattah el-Burhan, the de facto leader of Sudan’s Sovereign Council, made an official visit to Eritrea on Tuesday, November 26, amid ongoing conflict in Sudan. According to a statement from the Sudanese Sovereign Council, the visit aimed to “consolidate bilateral and historical relations” between the two nations.
El-Burhan was accompanied by key officials, including the head of intelligence and the Minister of Culture and Information.
Eritrea has been a crucial ally to Sudan’s regular army in its fight against the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Eritrea’s territory reportedly serves as a training ground for forces allied with Sudan’s army, and its government has consistently condemned RSF activities since the war began. Eritrea also hosts thousands of Sudanese refugees fleeing the violence.
During talks with Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki, General el-Burhan expressed his appreciation for Eritrea’s support, emphasizing the importance of their partnership in countering the RSF and its regional allies. For Eritrea, which shares a 600-kilometer border with Sudan, the strengthened alliance reassures its own border security amid the conflict.
The timing of the visit is particularly notable. It follows the Sudanese army’s recent recapture of Sinja, the capital of Sinnar State, which borders Eritrea. This victory is seen as a strategic milestone, paving the way for the army to regain control of key regions in eastern and central Sudan. Such advancements could enable the army to tighten its grip on RSF strongholds, particularly in Al-Jazirah State.
In parallel with these developments, General el-Burhan reiterated his firm position against negotiating with the RSF until they surrender their arms. Speaking on Monday, he vowed to defeat the paramilitary group, declaring, “The criminal Dagalo family will be crushed.” His remarks underscored a hardened stance, dismissing any prospects of immediate dialogue with the RSF.
This visit, coupled with recent military progress, highlights the deepening alliance between Sudan and Eritrea while signaling el-Burhan’s resolve to continue the fight against the RSF. For Asmara, maintaining strong ties with Khartoum is vital for regional stability and border security in an increasingly volatile environment.