**Sudan Rejects US Claims on Government Legitimacy Amid Ongoing Civil Conflict**
Sudan's army-backed government has firmly dismissed recent statements from the United States questioning its legitimacy. The remarks, made by US State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott, suggested that neither the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) nor the rival Rapid Support Forces (RSF) represent legitimate governance in the country. Pigott emphasized that the actions of the leaders of these factions disqualify them from governing, and he reiterated Washington's goal of restoring peace and returning authority to the Sudanese people.
In response, Sudan's Foreign Ministry issued a statement on Wednesday, expressing strong rejection of the US position. The ministry urged for constructive engagement with the Sudanese government, asserting that any negotiations aimed at resolving the ongoing civil war must respect Sudan's sovereignty and not legitimize territorial gains made by paramilitary groups. The Sudanese government also called for the disbandment of militias and insisted on state control over weapons.
This diplomatic dispute is set against the backdrop of a devastating civil war that has engulfed Sudan since April 2023. The conflict erupted from a power struggle between General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, the head of the SAF, and Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, commander of the RSF. The fighting has led to significant displacement of civilians and has exacerbated humanitarian crises, with parts of the country facing famine conditions.
The US has reportedly withheld a visa for al-Burhan to attend the upcoming UN General Assembly, making his attendance contingent upon the acceptance of a 90-day ceasefire. This move reflects Washington's stance on the need for a ceasefire and political transition in Sudan, as the international community continues to seek ways to mediate the conflict.
The SAF currently controls Khartoum and eastern regions of Sudan, while the RSF holds significant power in the western Darfur region. The RSF and its allies established a rival administration in Nyala, South Darfur, with Dagalo leading the governing council and Mohammed Hassan al-Taishi serving as prime minister. The ongoing conflict has caused widespread suffering, with millions displaced and numerous failed attempts at establishing a ceasefire, including talks facilitated by the US and Saudi Arabia in Jeddah.
Efforts to mediate the conflict have faced challenges, particularly due to differing perspectives on the role of the RSF. Burhan has previously rejected US-led proposals, arguing that they would undermine state security institutions while allowing the RSF to maintain its power. The Quad, which includes the US, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and the UAE, has proposed a three-month humanitarian truce followed by a transition to civilian rule, a plan that the RSF has expressed willingness to accept.
The involvement of the UAE in the mediation process has also been contentious. Sudan's government severed diplomatic ties with the UAE in May 2025, accusing it of supporting the RSF, a claim that the UAE has denied.
Despite the ongoing conflict and international pressures, the Sudanese Foreign Ministry has reiterated the government's commitment to peace as a strategic goal. It expressed readiness for responsible engagement with the US and other international partners, including Russia, emphasizing a desire for stability in Sudan without external interference.
As the situation in Sudan continues to evolve, the international community remains watchful, hoping for a resolution that respects the sovereignty of the nation and addresses the dire humanitarian needs of its people.