Sudan’s al-Burhan pledges immunity for dialogue, rules out Hemedti return | Sudan war News
Al-Burhan Promises Legal Protections in Sudanese Dialogue Initiative
Published on August 15, 2026
Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, the chief of Sudan’s Sovereign Council and army commander, announced on Saturday that participants in an upcoming national dialogue will receive temporary immunity and legal protections. He emphasized that while criminal proceedings against participants with pending charges will be suspended during the dialogue, this does not amount to a pardon and does not affect the rights of complainants.
Speaking at a ceremony commemorating the 72nd anniversary of the Sudanese Armed Forces, al-Burhan asserted that the dialogue must be an open-ended process held in a public forum. He urged for a space where citizens can freely express their opinions and criticisms without fear of reprisal. “Opinions expressed during these discussions will not serve as grounds for legal prosecution,” he added.
The initiative for this dialogue, which is to be facilitated by an independent national mechanism, was proposed by a group of Sudanese figures. Al-Burhan clarified that the state would not control the process or set its agenda.
In related developments, sources indicated that the national mechanism plans to hold a news conference in the coming days to outline its vision and strategies for the political process.
In his remarks, al-Burhan also addressed the ongoing conflict, stating the army remains open to any substantial peace initiatives but firmly rejects what he termed an “incomplete peace” that could return the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and its leaders to power. He reiterated the army’s commitment to eliminate what he described as a “terrorist militia.”
A pathway to peace, according to al-Burhan, requires the RSF to withdraw to designated areas, facilitating the return of displaced individuals to their homes. He mentioned that discussions on the status of RSF fighters could occur afterwards, particularly concerning the integration of those who have committed no crimes into regular armed forces.
In pursuing his goal of re-establishing government institutions, al-Burhan noted he has commenced talks with national forces that previously supported the state, aiming to include them in the formation of a new legislative council, currently under consideration.
Meanwhile, a delegation from the African Union’s Peace and Security Council is set to arrive in Khartoum for a three-day visit, marking its second trip since the onset of the conflict. The delegation, headed by Algeria’s representative due to its presidency of the council this month, includes representatives from all 15 member states and plans discussions with various governmental and civil society leaders.
In July, the African Union’s special envoy to Sudan, Mohamed Belaiche, addressed the political and security situation in Khartoum, as well as ongoing mediation efforts. Sudan has requested the council lift its suspension from African Union activities, which was imposed following al-Burhan’s dissolution of the Sovereign Council and the declaration of a state of emergency in October 2021.
