In a move that has drawn international scrutiny, Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman confirmed the Kingdom’s support for Sudan’s army during a phone call with General Abdel Fattah al‑Burhan on 29 September 2026. The call came as the United States rejected the legitimacy of Sudan’s rival military factions and denied al‑Burhan a visa for the United Nations General Assembly, citing his wartime crimes.
The Saudi statement underscored Riyadh’s commitment to Sudan’s stability, unity and territorial integrity, and pledged to aid in the return of displaced persons. It also signalled a broader geopolitical strategy that aligns the Kingdom with the Sudanese army, which seized power in an October 2021 coup.
Observers note that Saudi Arabia has historically favoured military and security elites over civilian forces, a stance that has reinforced a violent stalemate and undermined prospects for a political settlement. The Kingdom’s economic and diplomatic backing—including a recent $1.5 billion Pakistani arms deal and the provision of Shahpar drones—has further entrenched the army’s position.
Meanwhile, the United Nations reports that more than 14 million Sudanese have fled their homes, with nearly 200 000 casualties since the conflict began in April 2023. Calls for an independent investigation into alleged chemical weapons use by the Sudanese army have intensified, adding pressure to the already fragile situation.
As Saudi Arabia’s endorsement of al‑Burhan persists, the international community watches closely, questioning whether regional influence is sustaining a cycle of violence that continues to exact a heavy toll on the Sudanese people.
