Sudan’s al-Burhan pledges immunity for dialogue, rules out Hemedti return

What the report says

Sudan’s Sovereign Council chief and army commander Abdel Fattah al-Burhan said participants in a planned national dialogue would receive temporary immunity and other legal, political and security protections. In remarks delivered during celebrations for the Sudanese Armed Forces’ 72nd anniversary, he said any criminal cases involving participants would be paused while the dialogue is under way, but that this would not erase the rights of people who had filed complaints.

According to Al Jazeera, al-Burhan framed the initiative as an independent process run by a group of Sudanese figures rather than by the state. He said the dialogue should remain open to public debate and that comments made in the sessions should not be used later for prosecution. The article said a group behind the mechanism was expected to brief the media in the coming days on its plan for the political process.

Al-Burhan also rejected what he described as an “incomplete peace” that would restore the Rapid Support Forces, led by Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, known as Hemedti, and its supporters to power. He said any settlement would need RSF forces to leave cities and move to designated areas first, with later talks on their future status and possible integration for members not accused of crimes. He also said he was consulting national forces to help complete state institutions, including a possible legislative council.

Separately, Al Jazeera reported that an African Union Peace and Security Council delegation was due in Khartoum for a three-day visit involving talks with al-Burhan, Prime Minister Kamil Idris, political groups and civil society. Sudan has sought reinstatement in AU activities after its 2021 suspension.