{
  "id": 13687961,
  "title": "Sudan's Al Burhan accused of political scheming as war puts children at risk",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/11/sudans-al-burhan-accused-of-political-scheming-as-war-puts-children",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-11T09:32:20.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The National Business",
    "slug": "the-national-business",
    "url": "https://www.thenationalnews.com/news/mena/2026/10/11/sudans-al-burhan-accused-of-political-scheming-as-war-puts-children-at-risk/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Political observers have accused Sudan's military chief, General Abdel Fattah Al Burhan, of political maneuvering and alleged influence by the Islamist movement. The ongoing civil war is putting Sudan's children at risk by denying them education and exposing them to forced recruitment, analysts warn. In an interview with Sky News Arabia, Mohamed Abdel Hakam, leader of Sudan's Sumoud alliance, stated General Al Burhan holds full control over the military and power structures, though his decision-making is limited by the influence of allied factions within his office. During a meeting with US senior adviser Massad Boulos on October 5 in Egypt, Gen Al Burhan reportedly made concessions to Washington, which coincided with the army's refusal to accept a US proposal for a 90-day humanitarian ceasefire followed by political talks to end the conflict and restore civilian rule. The Sudanese government claims it did not reject the proposal but submitted comments on it. Another analyst, Hashim Abu Ranat, also accused General Al Burhan of political scheming, stating he made concessions to his allies while pursuing separate goals in Darfur, including the removal of the Janjaweed militia. The Islamic Movement, including affiliated army officers, plays a crucial role in shaping political and military decisions, Abu Ranat claims. Meanwhile, Sudanese activist Nagisa Hagar warns that the conflict is denying an entire generation of children an education, with many missing out on critical years of schooling. She also fears children may be recruited by the warring parties, particularly the Sudanese army and affiliated groups, and warns of the severe dangers of forced recruitment and the burden of responsibility being placed on children instead of adults and state institutions. The war began in April 2023 following a power struggle between the military and the Rapid Support Forces paramilitary over a civilian transition and the planned integration of the two forces. Diplomatic efforts to achieve a lasting ceasefire have been unsuccessful, and the conflict has resulted in 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.",
  "summary": "Political figures and analysts have accused the head of the Sudanese Armed Forces, Gen Abdel Fattah Al Burhan, of political manoeuvring and remaining under the influence of the Islamist movement. They have also warned the prolonged civil war is depriving Sudan's children of education and exposing them to forced recruitment. In an interview with Sky News Arabia, Mohamed Abdel Hakam, a leader of…",
  "key_points": [
    "General Abdel Fattah Al Burhan accused of political maneuvering.",
    "Sudan's children at risk due to war, denied education, forced recruitment.",
    "Al Burhan reportedly made concessions to US, rejected ceasefire proposal."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The National UAE",
        "title": "Sudan's Al Burhan accused of political scheming as war puts children at risk",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/11/sudans-al-burhan-accused-of-political-scheming-as-war-puts-children-13689378",
        "published": "2026-10-11T09:32:20.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}