Al-Burhan visits Juba after South Sudan disavows VP’s comments

PORT SUDAN – Sudanese military leader General Abdelfattah al-Burhan arrived in Juba on Wednesday for high-level talks with South Sudanese President Salva Kiir Mayardit. The visit follows a brief diplomatic row triggered by controversial remarks from a South Sudanese vice president.

Burhan’s delegation includes key officials such as energy and oil minister Mohialdin Naeem, acting foreign ministry undersecretary Hussein al-Amin, and General Intelligence Service (GIS) Director-General Ahmed Ibrahim Mufaddal.

The visit, originally scheduled for Monday, was postponed after South Sudanese Vice President Taban Deng Gai questioned the legitimacy of Sudan’s government, saying there was “no government” in Sudan since the outbreak of war in 2023.

South Sudan’s presidency swiftly distanced itself from Gai’s comments, with presidential affairs minister Chol Ajongo clarifying that they did not reflect the official position. Juba reaffirmed its recognition of Sudan’s military-led government based in Port Sudan.

Burhan’s decision to delay his visit until South Sudan clarified its stance underscores the sensitivity of the issue, especially given Sudan’s ongoing conflict.

Since April 2023, the country has been embroiled in a war between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), leading to widespread displacement and destruction.

Port Sudan has emerged as a temporary administrative hub for Burhan’s government, with many foreign embassies, including South Sudan’s, maintaining operations there.