Commander of SAF, General al-Burhan has concluded a one-day visit to Asmara, Eritrea, on Tuesday.
Al-Burhan met Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki to discuss security, military cooperation, and economic ties.
SAF leader expressed gratitude for Eritrea’s assistance during Sudan’s civil war and highlighted plans to strengthen bilateral relations.
Observers suggest the visit aimed to secure Eritrea as a key SAF ally, particularly concerning armed groups in Eritrea’s western region.
Eritrea hosts camps for eastern Sudanese movements like the Beja Congress and United Popular Front, some of which align with the SAF, while others remain neutral.
Economic talks focused on reopening border crossings, including the Kassala-El Lafa highway, nearing completion, to boost trade. Afwerki also stressed military readiness to prevent conflict spillover into Eritrea’s borders.
Eastern Sudan’s tensions are escalating, with militias, including the Eastern Battalion and Beja Congress, coordinating with the SAF. Analysts warn this could escalate the SAF-RSF war into a tribal conflict, drawing in allied tribes from neighboring regions.
Eritrea’s growing military ties with Sudan and its role in training eastern factions risk further militarizing the region, threatening the geostrategic Red Sea corridor and regional stability.
