Sudan's Al Burhan accused of political scheming as war puts children at risk

Political figures and analysts have accused Sudan's head of the Armed Forces, Gen Abdel Fattah Al Burhan, of political maneuvering and alleged influence by the Islamist movement. The ongoing civil war in Sudan is putting its children at risk, depriving them of education and exposing them to forced recruitment. Gen Al Burhan is reported to have full control over the army and levers of power but faces constraints due to the influence of allied groups, including within his own office.

Mohamed Abdel Hakam, leader of Sudan’s largest civilian coalition, disclosed Gen Al Burhan conceded significant points during a meeting with the US senior adviser for Arab and African affairs, Massad Boulos, on October 5 in Egypt. This meeting occurred shortly after the US denied Al Burhan a visa to the UN General Assembly in New York, linked to the army-led administration's resistance to a 90-day humanitarian ceasefire followed by political negotiations.

However, Sudan claims it did not reject the proposal but submitted comments on it. Analyst Hashim Abu Ranat also named Gen Al Burhan as someone involved in political scheming, stating he accepted certain conditions but was reluctant to share them with his allies. He alleged Al Burhan returned to his allies to inform them he was prepared to make concessions while pursuing his objectives in Darfur.

The Islamic Movement allegedly plays a decisive role in shaping political and military decisions alongside affiliated army officers. Activist Nagisa Hagar warned the conflict is depriving an entire generation of Sudanese children of education, many of whom missed critical years in kindergarten or primary school. Additionally, children face the risk of being recruited by warring parties, particularly the Sudanese army and affiliated groups.

Videos published by these groups show children being recruited, highlighting the serious threat posed by forced recruitment and the imposition of responsibilities on children. The conflict, which began in April 2023, has created one of the world's largest humanitarian crises with over 14 million people displaced and nearly 20 million facing hunger, according to the UN World Food Programme.