By HAN News Desk
JOHANNESBURG — Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has said that various Sudanese stakeholders have expressed a clear desire for Türkiye to play a direct role in efforts to end Sudan’s devastating conflict. Speaking to reporters in South Africa after attending the G20 summit, Erdoğan said Ankara remained committed to supporting initiatives aimed at restoring stability and preventing further humanitarian catastrophe in Sudan.
Erdoğan noted that Türkiye has longstanding ties with Sudan and that many Sudanese actors view Ankara as a trusted and neutral partner capable of facilitating dialogue between the warring sides. “Our Sudanese brothers want Türkiye to be involved in the peace process,” he said, adding that his government would “do everything necessary” to help end the fighting.
Sudan has been engulfed in war since April 2023, when a bitter power struggle between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) erupted into open conflict. The fighting has devastated major cities, displaced millions, and left large parts of the country on the brink of famine. The RSF’s recent takeover of Al-Fasher, a major urban center in North Darfur and one of the last strongholds under government control, has triggered alarm among humanitarian organizations and regional observers. Al-Fasher’s fall raises fears of mass killings and ethnic violence in an area that witnessed widespread atrocities during the Darfur conflict two decades ago.
Türkiye has consistently urged both the SAF and the RSF to cease hostilities and return to political negotiations. Ankara has offered diplomatic channels, humanitarian assistance, and mediation support, framing the conflict as not only a threat to Sudan but also to regional stability across the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea corridor. Erdoğan stressed that Türkiye’s involvement would be aimed solely at facilitating peace, not taking sides, saying, “We want to see Sudan at peace again, united and stable.”
The war has entered a critical phase as international concern grows over rising civilian casualties, grave human rights violations, and the collapse of essential services. Aid organizations warn that without an immediate halt to the fighting, Sudan could face one of the worst humanitarian disasters in recent decades. Countries including Saudi Arabia, the United States, Egypt, and the African Union have attempted to mediate ceasefires, but talks have repeatedly collapsed. Türkiye’s potential involvement introduces a new dynamic to diplomatic efforts, especially given its strong bilateral relations and longstanding engagement in Sudan’s development and humanitarian programs.
Erdoğan’s remarks suggest that Ankara may soon adopt a more active mediation role, as international pressure intensifies to prevent further escalation and to protect millions of civilians caught in the conflict.
