Sudan: El Burhan Grants Temporary Immunity to Sudan Dialogue Participants

What the report says

Sudan’s army chief and Sovereignty Council chair, Gen Abdelfattah El Burhan, has approved temporary immunity for Sudanese who take part in a national dialogue, according to a statement reported by Dabanga and distributed by AllAfrica. Justice Minister Abdallah Darfa announced the decision at a press conference in Khartoum on Tuesday, saying criminal cases tied to participation in the dialogue would be dropped.

The reported measure covers cases brought by state agencies against Sudanese living outside the country for alleged political acts or opinions, with those charges to be dismissed. Darfa said participants would receive procedural protection from the moment they enter Sudan until they finish their involvement and leave, and that no criminal proceedings should be brought over views expressed during the dialogue when they are linked to it.

Darfa described the guarantees as part of a broader national initiative intended to create conditions for Sudanese-to-Sudanese dialogue. He said the state’s role would be limited to offering guarantees, facilitation and protection, without shaping who participates, the agenda or the outcome.

The report also said the decision does not replace an earlier amnesty for fighters, which remains in force for those who meet its conditions, including voluntary surrender and handing over weapons. The move appears aimed at lowering legal and political barriers to participation in dialogue efforts as Sudan continues to face conflict and political division.