Al-Burhan Offers Temporary Immunity for Sudan Dialogue Participants

Sudan’s former head of state, Abdel Fattah al‑Burhan, announced that participants in the upcoming national dialogue would receive temporary immunity and legal protections. The pledge was made during a press briefing in Khartoum on Thursday, as the country continues to seek a comprehensive political settlement following months of violence between the army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces.

The immunity is intended to safeguard civil society leaders, opposition figures, and other stakeholders who may face retaliation for speaking openly during the talks. Al‑Burhan explained that the protections would apply only to the duration of the dialogue and would not extend to any ongoing investigations or prosecutions unrelated to the discussions. The move follows earlier assurances from the transitional government that the dialogue would be a safe space for all parties to negotiate a lasting ceasefire and a roadmap to democratic governance.

While the promise of legal safeguards is expected to encourage broader participation, observers note that its effectiveness will depend on enforcement mechanisms and the willingness of security forces to respect the immunity. The dialogue, scheduled to run for several weeks, remains a critical step toward ending Sudan’s civil conflict and restoring stability to the nation.