Saudi Arabia has reportedly frozen an arms deal intended to supply General al-Burhan’s army (SAF) through Pakistan, in a move that could signal a shift in Riyadh’s approach to Sudan’s ongoing war.
According to a report by Africa Intelligence, the decision comes amid growing doubts within Saudi circles over General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan’s reliability as a long-term partner, as the conflict drags on and Sudan’s political and military landscape becomes increasingly fragmented.
The report suggests Riyadh is now leaning toward supporting a political process aimed at forming a civilian-led government, rather than deepening military engagement that could prolong the war.
Such a shift would align with broader regional concerns about the destabilising impact of the conflict, which erupted in April 2023 between General al-Burhan’s SAF and the Rapid Support Forces.
Analysts say that if confirmed, the freeze could affect the balance of military support in the conflict, where both sides have relied on external backing and supply channels.
Saudi Arabia has previously positioned itself as a key diplomatic actor in Sudan, co-hosting ceasefire talks alongside the United States in Jeddah, though those efforts have repeatedly collapsed.
There has been no official confirmation from Saudi or Sudanese authorities regarding the reported suspension of the deal, and the claims remain based on intelligence reporting rather than formal government statements.
The development comes as international and regional pressure continues to mount for a ceasefire and a return to a political transition, amid worsening humanitarian conditions across Sudan.
