Face of Truth: Switzerland.. A New Chapter in Sudanese-American Relations
Ibrahim Shqlawi
In a remarkable development in Sudanese-American relations, the Chairman of the Sudanese Sovereignty Council, General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, met with the U.S. President’s Advisor for African Affairs, Masad Boulos, on Monday, August 11, 2025, in Zurich, at the direct request of Washington, according to “Al Arabiya”. The meeting reflects a shift in the United States’ approach towards the Sudanese file, and a retreat from the traditional reliance on regional mediators, primarily the UAE.
The meeting, which has not yet been officially announced in Khartoum, reflects an advanced level of trust between the two parties and embodies a new phase of direct dialogue, away from the channels that used to influence the course of the Sudanese crisis.
The United States, according to multiple sources, put forward on the discussion table a clear proposal for a comprehensive ceasefire in Sudan, as part of a broader vision to reorganize the political and security landscape, and to consolidate Sudan’s role as an active partner in combating terrorism and enhancing the security of the Red Sea—a file that has become a top priority on the American agenda, considering the regional complexities and Sudan’s pivotal geographical link to a highly sensitive area.
These moves confirm that Washington no longer views Sudan from the perspective of humanitarian crises, but rather as a strategic actor that can be trusted in major regional files. This represents a notable development in the nature of bilateral relations and strengthens Sudan’s political and diplomatic position.
What is also striking about this meeting is that it took place without the knowledge of some influential regional parties; for example, the UAE was not aware of it until after it happened, reflecting a Sudanese diplomatic success in securing independent maneuvering space. This may represent the beginning of a redefinition of regional and international alliances according to Sudanese national priorities.
Burhan himself did not go to this meeting without guarantees or leverage; he expressed his rejection of the presence of the Rapid Support Forces militia in power or in any upcoming political process. This stance adds a new dimension to the negotiation track and reflects his desire to reduce the militia’s influence, indicating his awareness of the importance of removing obstacles standing in the way of peace and stability, paving the way to end the war and enter a more stable transitional phase.
The coordination of the meeting also came after complex international and regional efforts involving Turkey, Qatar, and Egypt, which manifested in the movements of foreign ministers and their intensive meetings over the past weeks, in addition to Qatari logistical support represented by the landing of a large plane at Port Sudan airport two days before the meeting, indicating clear involvement in preparing the atmosphere for this political shift.
However, betting on the success of this track remains conditional on the Sudanese leadership’s ability to utilize this regional and international momentum and activate it internally, amid severe security and economic challenges and political divisions requiring solutions.
Signals from Washington, earlier last week, including reports about the U.S. administration’s intention to designate the Rapid Support Forces as a terrorist organization, reflect a shift in the American position on the militia that had clear regional support, placing its partners in a tight corner, which may lead to a forced regional repositioning consistent with new trends.
Meanwhile, the continuation of meetings between Burhan and American circles outside the usual regional coordination framework grants the Sudanese leadership new leverage at the negotiation table and gives the Sudanese file a real push toward resolution.
The Americans, for their part, show unprecedented openness to cooperation with Khartoum, not only on security issues but also with indications of interest in economic and investment fields, as Washington views Sudan as an opportunity to rebuild a resource-rich country with great strategic importance. This reinforces the idea that the meeting represents the beginning of a new phase of cooperation based on direct partnership, away from intermediaries who might obstruct solutions.
The importance of this meeting lies not only in its secretive nature or timing but also in the messages it carries about Sudan’s future in the regional equation and the opportunities that can arise if this American openness is well invested.
However, transparency in dealing with the Sudanese public regarding the contents of these meetings remains important, not only to reassure the domestic audience but also to confirm seriousness in managing the upcoming phase away from secrecy and ambiguity, which has long fueled rumors and weakened trust in state institutions.
From the perspective of #Face_of_Truth, our country today stands at a crossroads. If its leadership can translate the diplomatic momentum into practical steps, Zurich may form a real beginning for the path to restoring security and peace. This meeting may establish a comprehensive ceasefire and open the door for serious dialogue with concerned parties, especially the UAE, to stop fueling the Rapid Support Forces militia. However, success remains contingent upon the leadership’s ability to harness regional and international support and turn it into a reality that consolidates Sudan’s security and stability.
Stay well and safe.
Wednesday, August 13, 2025
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