Saudi Arabia has pressed Sudan’s head of state, General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, to exercise restraint and pursue a political solution to the nearly three-year civil war that has devastated Sudan.

In high-level talks in Riyadh, Saudi officials emphasised the urgency of de-escalating conflict and aligning military strategy with broader diplomatic efforts aimed at ending violence and facilitating humanitarian relief.

General al-Burhan, who leads the Transitional Sovereignty Council and the Sudanese Armed Forces, met with senior Saudi leadership to discuss pathways toward stability and security as part of wider regional dialogue on Sudan’s future.

Both sides stressed the importance of avoiding further escalation that could harm civilians and deepen the humanitarian crisis afflicting millions across Sudan.

Saudi Arabia’s diplomatic engagement comes against the backdrop of sustained international pressure for ceasefires and negotiated settlements, and reflects Riyadh’s ongoing role as a key interlocutor in efforts to build consensus among Sudanese parties and their international partners.

Discussions in Riyadh also touched on coordinating humanitarian corridors and reinforcing commitments to frameworks endorsed by regional stakeholders to progress toward a lasting cessation of hostilities.

The emphasis on restraint mirrors previous calls by Saudi officials for Sudanese actors to prioritise political negotiation and safeguard civilian populations, underlining Riyadh’s determination to support a durable and inclusive solution to one of Africa’s most severe conflicts.