Introduction

General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan is a Sudanese military officer and the Commander-in-Chief of the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF). He has been one of Sudan’s most influential political and military figures since the removal of President Omar al-Bashir in 2019. Al-Burhan currently leads the Sudanese Armed Forces and has played a central role in Sudan’s political transition, military leadership and the ongoing conflict with the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). This guide examines his background, military career, political role and significance in contemporary Sudan.

Overview

General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan is a Sudanese military officer who has served as the Commander-in-Chief of the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) since 2019. He emerged as one of Sudan’s leading political figures following the removal of President Omar al-Bashir and has played a central role in the country’s transitional period and subsequent political developments.

Al-Burhan chaired Sudan’s Transitional Military Council after al-Bashir’s removal before becoming chairman of the Transitional Sovereignty Council, the body established to oversee Sudan’s transition toward civilian rule. During this period, he participated in negotiations with civilian groups, regional organizations and international partners.

In October 2021, al-Burhan led a military takeover that dissolved the transitional government, a move that drew both domestic opposition and international criticism. Political tensions continued in the following years, particularly over plans to reform Sudan’s security sector and integrate the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) into the national military.

Since the outbreak of the Sudan war on 15 April 2023, al-Burhan has led the Sudanese Armed Forces in military operations against the RSF while representing Sudan in regional and international diplomatic efforts related to the conflict.

 Early Life and Military Career

Abdel Fattah al-Burhan was born in 1960 in Gandatu, a village in Sudan’s River Nile State. He joined the Sudanese Military College and began his career as an officer in the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), rising through the ranks over several decades.

During his military career, al-Burhan served in a variety of command and operational roles. He participated in military operations in southern Sudan during the civil war and later held senior positions within the armed forces. He also gained experience in regional military cooperation through assignments linked to Sudan’s participation in the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen.

In February 2019, al-Burhan was appointed Inspector General of the Sudanese Armed Forces, one of the military’s highest-ranking positions. Two months later, following the removal of President Omar al-Bashir, he became chairman of the Transitional Military Council, replacing General Awad Ibn Auf.

His military background and senior leadership roles established him as one of Sudan’s most influential officers before he assumed a leading role in the country’s political transition after 2019.

 Political Role

Abdel Fattah al-Burhan became Sudan’s most senior political leader following the removal of President Omar al-Bashir in April 2019. He initially served as chairman of the Transitional Military Council before assuming the leadership of the Transitional Sovereignty Council under the Constitutional Declaration agreed between the military and civilian representatives.

During Sudan’s transitional period, al-Burhan played a central role in negotiations concerning constitutional reforms, the peace process and the country’s transition toward civilian rule. His leadership coincided with continued political tensions between military and civilian groups over the distribution of power and the future of Sudan’s political system.

On 25 October 2021, al-Burhan announced measures that dissolved the transitional government and declared a state of emergency. The move prompted widespread domestic protests and drew criticism from several governments, regional organizations and international partners, while the military said its actions were intended to safeguard Sudan’s stability.

Since the outbreak of the Sudan war in April 2023, al-Burhan has continued to serve as Sudan’s de facto military leader, overseeing the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) while representing the Sudanese government in regional and international diplomatic engagements related to the conflict.

 Al-Burhan and the Sudan War

General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan has led the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) throughout the Sudan war, which began on 15 April 2023 following the collapse of negotiations over security sector reform and the integration of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) into the national military.

As Commander-in-Chief of the SAF, al-Burhan has overseen military operations across multiple regions, including Khartoum, Darfur, Kordofan and Gezira State. Throughout the conflict, he has also represented the Sudanese government in regional and international diplomatic initiatives aimed at achieving a ceasefire, expanding humanitarian access and advancing a political settlement.

During the war, al-Burhan has maintained that the SAF is defending Sudan’s state institutions and territorial integrity. The RSF has rejected the government’s position and has presented its own account of the conflict, reflecting the competing narratives advanced by the two sides.

The conflict has resulted in one of the world’s largest humanitarian crises, with millions of people displaced and widespread damage to civilian infrastructure. International organizations have repeatedly called on all parties, including the SAF and the RSF, to protect civilians, comply with international humanitarian law and support efforts to reach a peaceful resolution.

 International Relations and Diplomacy

As Sudan’s military leader and head of the country’s governing authorities during different stages of the political transition, Abdel Fattah al-Burhan has represented Sudan in meetings with regional and international leaders, foreign governments and multilateral organizations.

Since 2019, al-Burhan has participated in diplomatic engagements involving the African Union (AU), the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), the United Nations (UN), the Arab League and other international partners. These discussions have focused on Sudan’s political transition, regional security, humanitarian assistance and efforts to resolve the country’s conflict.

Following the outbreak of the Sudan war in April 2023, al-Burhan has continued to represent the Sudanese government in international diplomacy. His meetings with foreign officials have addressed issues including ceasefire initiatives, humanitarian access, reconstruction, regional stability and bilateral relations.

Al-Burhan’s international role has evolved alongside developments in Sudan’s political and security landscape, making him one of the country’s principal representatives in diplomatic efforts related to the ongoing conflict.

 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Who is Abdel Fattah al-Burhan?

Abdel Fattah al-Burhan is a Sudanese military officer who serves as the Commander-in-Chief of the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF). He has been one of Sudan’s leading political and military figures since 2019.

What is Abdel Fattah al-Burhan’s position?

Al-Burhan is the Commander-in-Chief of the Sudanese Armed Forces and has served as chairman of Sudan’s Transitional Sovereignty Council since 2019.

When did al-Burhan become Sudan’s leader?

Al-Burhan assumed leadership of Sudan’s Transitional Military Council in April 2019 following the removal of President Omar al-Bashir. He later became chairman of the Transitional Sovereignty Council under Sudan’s transitional arrangements.

What is Abdel Fattah al-Burhan’s role in the Sudan war?

Since the outbreak of the Sudan war on 15 April 2023, al-Burhan has led the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) in military operations against the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) while representing the Sudanese government in regional and international diplomatic efforts.

Why is Abdel Fattah al-Burhan internationally known?

Al-Burhan has gained international attention for his role in Sudan’s political transition, the October 2021 military takeover and the ongoing Sudan war. He has participated in numerous diplomatic meetings concerning Sudan’s security, humanitarian situation and political future.

Is Abdel Fattah al-Burhan still the Commander-in-Chief of the SAF?

Yes. As of the latest update to this guide, Abdel Fattah al-Burhan remains the Commander-in-Chief of the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF).

Explore these related reference guides to better understand Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, Sudan’s political transition and the ongoing conflict:

– Sudan War Explained
– Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF)
– Who are the Rapid Support Forces (RSF)?
– Who is Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (Hemedti)?
– Sudan Conflict Timeline
– Sudan Humanitarian Crisis
– History of Sudan
– Sudan Economy

Sources

This guide is based on information published by official institutions, international organizations and established news organizations, including:

– Sudanese Armed Forces official statements
– United Nations (UN)
– African Union (AU)
– Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD)
– Reuters
– The Associated Press (AP)
– International Crisis Group (ICG)
– Chatham House
– Sudan Now reporting

 Last Updated

Last updated: July 2026

This reference guide is reviewed regularly and updated to reflect significant developments related to Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, including changes to his official position, diplomatic activities and role in Sudan’s political and military affairs.