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Sudanese Envoy's Secret Visit to Israel Aims to Revive Normalization Amid Civil War

  • Published: 09 Apr, 2025 05:58 AM

  • Middle East

Key Actors

What happened?

Lt.-Gen. Al-Sadiq Ismail, envoy to Sudan's military leader Gen. Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, secretly visited Israel to discuss finalizing normalization and seeking military support.

Al-Burhan expressed willingness to meet Israeli conditions for normalization and sought assistance in improving relations with the U.S. and addressing tensions with the UAE.

Sudan's recent engagement with Iran was attributed to isolation and urgent military needs during its ongoing civil war.


Insight

Sudan's clandestine outreach to Israel underscores the shifting alliances in the Middle East and Africa, driven by pragmatic needs amid internal conflicts. Al-Burhan's overtures reflect a strategic pivot aimed at securing international legitimacy and military support to consolidate power. This move also highlights Israel's growing influence in the region, as countries seek its backing to navigate complex geopolitical landscapes. However, Sudan's simultaneous engagement with Iran indicates a hedging strategy, balancing relationships to maximize support during turbulent times.

Why So?

Facing a protracted civil war and feeling abandoned by traditional allies, Sudan's military leadership is compelled to seek support from multiple fronts. The lack of anticipated assistance from Israel led al-Burhan to turn to Iran for military aid. The secret visit to Israel represents an attempt to realign with previous commitments under the Abraham Accords and to secure the necessary backing to tilt the internal power struggle in al-Burhan's favor.

What's Next?

The success of Sudan's normalization efforts with Israel hinges on Israel's response to al-Burhan's overtures and the broader international community's stance. If Israel provides the requested support, it could significantly impact the balance of power in Sudan's civil war. Conversely, continued engagement with Iran may complicate Sudan's relationships with Western and regional powers, potentially leading to a more fragmented and volatile geopolitical environment.

Confrontation

  • Sudanese Armed Forces
  • Rapid Support Forces
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