Sudan: Abu Dhabi builds ties with General Burhan to redefine geopolitical influence in East Africa.

Abu Dhabi, determined to play mediator in Sudanese politics, is seeking to forge closer ties with General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, the head of the Sudanese army. This move could transform the region's geopolitical landscape, with potential implications for the security and stability of Sudan and the entire Horn of Africa .

Abu Dhabi's executive ambitions

It has not escaped anyone's notice that the United Arab Emirates, under the aegis of Abu Dhabi, aspires to position itself as a key player in East Africa. This new relationship with the Sudanese military junta is not just a matter of diplomatic friendship, but a real leap in influence. After setting its sights on other players in the region, such as Ethiopia and Eritrea, Abu Dhabi now appears to be intent on securing Sudan, a strategic country, by gaining control of its resources and securing a geopolitical base of operations.

General Burhan: A Man of Poker

By backing Burhan, the Emirates hopes to gain the support of a leader who is himself navigating the troubled waters of a precarious political transition. The general, who has become the face of the Sudanese army since the fall of Omar al-Bashir, is playing a dangerous game between internal political forces and external interests. With Abu Dhabi's support, he could strengthen his power, but at what cost? Sudan's recent history is marked by coups and power struggles, and the general could well find himself caught in a tangle of foreign ambitions.

A partnership with conditional promises

It will come as no surprise that the rapprochement between the Emirates and General Burhan comes with strings attached. Abu Dhabi, with its reputation as an infrastructure and financial builder, could offer Sudan investment, but will expect in return a deft approach to policy choices to protect its own economic interests. Will this partnership bring real stability to Sudan, or will it just be another opportunistic alliance doomed to failure? Observers remain skeptical, fearing that it will be a zero-sum game, with only outsiders reaping the rewards.

As Sudan stands at a crucial crossroads, public opinion is torn between hope and mistrust. While some see a promising future with strong allies, others remain cautious, recalling the failings of previous alliances. The coming months will be crucial in determining whether this new chapter in relations between Abu Dhabi and Khartoum will be one of shared prosperity or another twist in an already overly complicated game.