In a striking indictment of external interference, General Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan, Sudan’s de facto leader, has accused "colonial powers" of fueling instability and prolonging conflicts across Africa. Speaking during a meeting with President Umaro Sissoco Embaló of Guinea-Bissau, Al-Burhan condemned what he described as persistent efforts by foreign entities to exploit Africa’s resources while sowing division among its people.
The remarks came amid Sudan’s ongoing civil war, which erupted in April 2023 between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a paramilitary group Al-Burhan labeled a "terrorist organization." The conflict has devastated Sudan, displacing over 11.5 million people, and creating one of the worst humanitarian crises in recent African history.
Al-Burhan lamented the destructive legacy of colonialism, which he argued continues to manifest through economic exploitation, political interference, and covert support for armed groups destabilizing African nations. "Africa is awakening," he said, "and nations that have resisted neo-colonialism inspire us to reclaim our destiny from foreign manipulators."
The Sudanese leader's tour of West Africa underscores his call for unity against external forces. His visits to Guinea-Bissau, Mali, Sierra Leone, and Senegal aim to strengthen regional cooperation and foster solidarity in the face of what he described as “modern colonial schemes.” Mali and Guinea, which recently expelled French military forces, were particularly commended by Al-Burhan for their defiance of neo-colonial practices.
Sudan’s civil war has highlighted the role of foreign interests in fueling internal divisions. Analysts point to reports of arms supplies and political backing from external powers to warring factions, exacerbating an already dire situation. Al-Burhan’s emphasis on regional partnerships may signal a shift toward a more Africa-centered approach to resolving conflicts and mitigating the continent’s reliance on Western intervention.
In Guinea-Bissau, Al-Burhan praised the resilience of African nations striving for self-reliance. He stressed that a united Africa could overcome foreign manipulation and create a future free of exploitation. However, he also called for greater commitment from African leaders to prioritize the welfare of their citizens over personal or foreign interests.
The Sudanese crisis serves as a stark reminder of the fragile state of governance in parts of Africa. As humanitarian agencies struggle to address the massive displacement crisis, Al-Burhan’s message of self-determination and regional solidarity strikes a chord with many Africans tired of external domination.
Observers note that the Sudanese leader’s tour comes at a critical time, as Sudan’s neighbors and international stakeholders push for a resolution to the war. While Al-Burhan’s rhetoric resonates with Pan-African ideals, the question remains whether such unity can translate into tangible progress in resolving conflicts like Sudan’s or preventing future crises across the continent.
For now, Al-Burhan’s call for Africa to reject foreign interference and embrace collective solutions may serve as a rallying cry for leaders across the continent to prioritize peace, stability, and independence over the lingering shadow of colonialism.
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