SAF chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan admitted Muslim Brotherhood militants are fighting alongside his armed forces, while denying that the SAF permits party activity inside its ranks and dismissing foreign criticism that raises “bogeymen” of Islamists and Iran.
In remarks to Sudanese journalists in Doha, Burhan claimed he had held direct contacts with Saudi Arabia, Egypt and the United States to explain Khartoum’s position on a recent statement by a four-nation grouping on Sudan, claiming the three countries showed understanding.
“The prohibited matter is party political activity within the military,” Burhan said, adding that individuals’ beliefs “are not banned and are not for external parties to police.”
Addressing speculation over ties with Tehran, he called Iran another “scarecrow” used to inflame international opinion. He said Sudan’s relations with Iran are no different from those with other states and denied Iran has any bases or special privileges on Sudanese soil.
Burhan said Sudan’s foreign policy is based on reciprocity and national interest, and that the country will not join any regional or international alliance that runs counter to its interests.
Fighting between the SAF and the Rapid Support Forces erupted in April 2023, tipping Sudan into a humanitarian disaster and drawing in regional powers.
