JAKARTA – The arrival of Sudan’s Transitional Sovereignty Council leader and military commander Abdel Fattah al-Burhan in Saudi Arabia this week marks a pivotal moment as the nation faces potential fragmentation from intensifying battles between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces.

Burhan traveled to Riyadh on Monday following an invitation from Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. While neither party has disclosed specific details about the meeting’s agenda or length, experts suggest the engagement demonstrates an urgent effort to accelerate peace initiatives as conditions deteriorate rapidly on the ground.

Strategic Priority for Regional Stability

Analysts observe that Riyadh has positioned Sudan as a key foreign policy concern, particularly as Burhan confronts the army’s vulnerable situation after losing territorial control in Darfur and experiencing military reversals in the Kordofan area.

The Saudi-sponsored approach, built around the “humanitarian truce” concept previously outlined by the international Quad—comprising the United States, Egypt, and the UAE—presents a possible pathway toward resolution. Though the proposal requires modifications to secure approval from both warring factions, it establishes a foundation from which Riyadh can facilitate discussions.

Experts caution Sudan’s military command against maintaining an all-or-nothing strategy or expecting a complete military triumph, warning that failure to acknowledge the constraints of armed conflict could lead to national disintegration.

Mounting Humanitarian Emergency

Since April 2023, the RSF and Sudanese military have engaged in devastating combat over control of the transitional period. The warfare has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths and forced approximately 13 million people from their homes, intensifying one of the globe’s most dire humanitarian emergencies. Initial mediation efforts coordinated by Saudi Arabia and the United States through the Jeddah Platform proved unsuccessful in stopping the violence.

For Riyadh, Sudan’s turmoil extends beyond domestic concerns. The Kingdom perceives the continuing warfare as endangering Red Sea maritime security, crucial commercial passages, and broader regional equilibrium throughout the Horn of Africa. Persistent instability could attract competing international and regional involvement, altering the power dynamic in ways that would undermine Saudi strategic objectives.

High-Level Diplomatic Engagement

Last month, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman personally urged US President Donald Trump to address the Sudanese emergency during a Washington visit. Trump subsequently recalled that the crown prince communicated the situation’s severity starkly, cautioning about the terrible conditions unfolding in Sudan. This appeal reportedly triggered immediate American focus, with measures now underway to confront the crisis.

Saudi Arabia’s involvement goes beyond traditional diplomacy to actively shaping the Sudanese army’s position. The Kingdom possesses substantial influence over military commanders and is regarded as capable of persuading them to contemplate accommodation and participate in peace discussions.

Coordinated International Response

Cooperation with Egypt and the United States remains essential. Before Burhan’s Riyadh arrival, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan conducted a telephone conversation with Egyptian counterpart Badr Abdelatty, emphasizing the necessity for ongoing collaboration within the Quad structure. Both diplomats highlighted establishing protected zones and humanitarian access routes to guarantee aid delivery to civilians without interference.

Saudi Arabia’s methodology appears to follow a measured, gradual strategy. The immediate goal involves containing military escalation and preventing additional humanitarian deterioration. Subsequently, Riyadh aims to develop a credible political structure that can serve as the foundation for negotiations, while securing active Sudanese army involvement in any peace proceedings through diplomatic influence and political encouragement.

The outcome of these initiatives depends on Sudanese stakeholders’ readiness to participate constructively and sustained backing from the international community. If these components converge successfully, Saudi Arabia could prove instrumental in redirecting Sudan from catastrophe toward lasting peace.

Original Article:

The Arab Weekly. (2025, December 17). Saudi Arabia pushes for political settlement as Sudan war intensifies pressure. Retrieved from https://thearabweekly.com/saudi-arabia-pushes-political-settlement-sudan-war-intensifies-pressure