Sudan’s De Facto Leader in Uganda Amid Ongoing Battles in Khartoum

Kampala, Uganda | THE BLACK EXAMINER | Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, the de facto leader of Sudan, embarked on a visit to Uganda on Saturday, according to the ruling Sovereign Council. This trip comes amidst ongoing battles in Khartoum, the capital city.

Sudan has been embroiled in conflict since clashes erupted in Khartoum between the regular army, led by Burhan, and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), commanded by his former deputy and now rival, Mohamed Hamdan Daglo.

Fighting around Khartoum’s military headquarters, where Burhan had been stationed until recently, had experienced a brief lull of two weeks before erupting once again, with the RSF launching artillery fire, as reported by residents.

During his visit to Uganda, Burhan is scheduled to meet with President Yoweri Museveni in Kampala. Their discussions will encompass topics such as “bilateral ties and issues of common importance,” as stated by the Sovereign Council.

This marks the sixth international trip for the Sudanese general since his initial public appearances last month, including visits to countries like Egypt, South Sudan, and Turkey.

Since the outbreak of the conflict on April 15, at least 7,500 people have lost their lives, according to estimates from the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project. The war has displaced over five million people, with one million becoming refugees in neighboring countries, according to United Nations data.

Eyewitnesses in Khartoum reported ongoing clashes in the city center, with RSF forces reportedly using heavy artillery against the army headquarters. Neither side has been able to gain a decisive advantage, as the army controls the skies while Daglo’s fighters have entrenched themselves in residential areas.

Observers have noted an escalation in the intensity of airstrikes, resulting in a higher civilian death toll, as the army strives to regain control of parts of the capital.

Abdel Fattah al-Burhan assumed the de facto leadership of Sudan following the ousting of long-time autocrat Omar al-Bashir in 2019. He was appointed head of the Sovereign Council, consisting of military and civilian figures tasked with guiding Sudan through the transition to a full democracy.

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