US envoy meets Sudanese army chief in Egypt

US Senior Advisor for Arab and African Affairs Massad Boulos met with Sudanese army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan in Egypt over the weekend, as the US and other intermediaries continue efforts to end the devastating war in Sudan. Boulos stated on X on Monday that the US, alongside Egyptian partners and other regional and international allies, is reaffirming its continued efforts to advance a political solution to the crisis.

The rare meeting occurred less than two weeks after Washington withheld a visa for al-Burhan ahead of a scheduled UN appearance, a move that sources linked to a US-backed ceasefire proposal that Khartoum has resisted.

The Sudanese army has been engaged in conflict with the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) since April 2023, following disagreements over issues including the integration of their forces during a planned transition to civilian rule. The US State Department stated last month that neither the Sudanese Armed Forces nor the RSF, nor their respective leaders, represent legitimate governance for Sudan.

The war has resulted in the displacement of over 14 million people and has been marked by waves of ethnically-driven killings. Boulos also said on Monday that the United States is prepared to support efforts leading to a comprehensive dialogue among Sudanese political forces to establish a preliminary roadmap for Sudan's future. Washington has accused the RSF of committing genocide and the army of war crimes, allegations that both groups have previously denied.