Sudan’s al-Burhan pledges immunity for dialogue, rules out Hemedti return

Sudan's military leader, General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, announced on Saturday that participants in a planned national dialogue would receive temporary immunity from legal action, while emphasizing that the army would not allow the return of former paramilitary leader Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, known as Hemedti, to power. Speaking during the 72nd anniversary celebrations of the Sudanese Armed Forces, al-Burhan stated that the army was prepared to engage in any serious peace effort but would reject an "incomplete peace" that would restore Hemedti's forces to authority. Al-Burhan outlined that the dialogue, to be overseen by an independent national mechanism, would offer participants temporary legal, political, and security protections. This measure would suspend criminal proceedings against individuals involved in the discussions, though it would not constitute a formal pardon. The rights of complainants against these individuals would remain unaffected. He emphasized that the dialogue should be open and transparent, allowing public participation and expression of views without fear or restriction. Statements made during the sessions would not be used as grounds for legal prosecution. The initiative, according to sources, was proposed by a group of Sudanese figures who would manage the dialogue. Al-Burhan clarified that the state would not organize the process or dictate its agenda or outcomes. A news conference by the national mechanism is expected within days to outline its vision and plans for the political process. Al-Burhan rejected any notion of an incomplete peace, stating that the army would continue efforts to remove the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) from urban centers and relocate them to designated areas. He outlined a plan for displaced persons and refugees to return home before further discussions on the RSF's role could proceed. Integration of non-criminal RSF members into the regular armed forces was also mentioned as a potential step. Additionally, al-Burhan revealed that he had initiated discussions with national forces that supported the state and its institutions during recent conflicts. These conversations aimed to involve such groups in rebuilding governmental structures. Representation in a legislative council, or parliament, is among the possibilities being considered, although its establishment is still under review. An African Union delegation is set to arrive in Khartoum on Saturday for a three-day visit, marking the second such mission since the outbreak of conflict. The delegation comprises representatives from all 15 member states of the Peace and Security Council and is led by Algeria’s representative, given its current rotating presidency for August. According to Sudan’s Al-Muhaqiq news agency, the visit will include meetings with al-Burhan, Prime Minister Kamil Idris, political parties, and civil society organizations. In July, the African Union’s special envoy to Sudan, Mohamed Belaiche, engaged in discussions on the political and security landscape in Khartoum, highlighting ongoing diplomatic efforts.