Sudan’s Transitional Sovereignty Council Chairman and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, arrived in Moscow on October 29, 2026, to participate in the third Russia–Africa Summit.
According to an official announcement by the Sudan News Agency (SUNA), Burhan is leading Sudan’s delegation at the summit, which is taking place in the Russian capital on October 28–29.
The visit comes as Khartoum seeks to strengthen political, economic and security relations with Moscow while Sudan continues to confront the consequences of the war that began in April 2023.
Al-Burhan receives official welcome in Moscow
Images published by Sudanese media showed Burhan being welcomed in Moscow by Russian officials and Sudanese diplomatic representatives.
Sudan’s Ambassador to Russia, Mohamed al-Ghazali al-Tijani Siraj, was among those participating in the reception arrangements.
The Sudanese delegation includes the Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Finance, the Director-General of the General Intelligence Service, the Director-General of the Defence Industries System, and the Director of the Sovereignty Council Chairman’s Office.
Foreign Minister Mohieddin Salem Ahmed had arrived in Moscow earlier to participate in preparatory meetings ahead of the summit.
Bilateral talks with Vladimir Putin scheduled
Sudan’s Ambassador to Russia, Mohamed al-Ghazali al-Tijani Siraj, confirmed that Burhan was scheduled to hold bilateral discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the summit.
Kremlin foreign policy aide Yury Ushakov also confirmed that a meeting between Putin and Burhan was planned for October 29.
Discussions are expected to address bilateral relations, diplomatic coordination and economic cooperation.
Burhan is also scheduled to address the summit and visit the Russian State University for the Humanities.
No verified official announcement has yet confirmed the outcome of the planned bilateral meeting or any new agreements resulting from it.
Sudan war and sovereignty concerns
Burhan’s visit comes amid the continuing war between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which erupted in April 2023.
The conflict has produced a severe humanitarian crisis, displaced millions of civilians and caused extensive damage to energy, transport, healthcare and other infrastructure.
Ambassador Siraj said Russia had supported Sudan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity while maintaining close diplomatic coordination with Khartoum in international organizations.
He also described Russia’s position at the United Nations Security Council as an important element of its diplomatic engagement with Sudan.
In November 2024, Russia vetoed a Security Council resolution calling for a ceasefire and improved humanitarian access in Sudan.
Moscow argued that the proposed resolution could interfere with Sudan’s sovereign responsibilities.
Russia could contribute to Sudan’s reconstruction
Economic cooperation and potential Russian involvement in Sudan’s post-war reconstruction are expected to feature prominently in the visit.
Ambassador Siraj identified energy, oil, mining, agriculture, infrastructure and higher education as priority areas where Russia could contribute to Sudan’s recovery.
The two countries held the eighth session of their intergovernmental economic and trade cooperation commission in September 2025.
According to the Sudanese ambassador, the cooperation protocol adopted during those meetings provides a framework for future joint projects.
However, no new investment agreement or confirmed financing commitment for a specific reconstruction project has been announced in connection with the summit.
Seventy years of diplomatic relations
Sudan and Russia are marking the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2026.
Relations established in 1956 have continued across political, military-technical, commercial and educational fields.
In November 2025, Russian Ambassador to Sudan Andrey Chernovol said plans for a Russian naval logistics facility in Port Sudan, on the Red Sea, had been suspended because of the ongoing war.
Burhan’s visit therefore also draws attention to the broader security and defence relationship between Moscow and Khartoum.
Nevertheless, there has been no verified announcement as of October 29 that the naval facility project has resumed or that a new military basing agreement has been signed.
Delegations from 48 African countries attend summit
The third Russia–Africa Summit is bringing together delegations from 48 African countries, according to figures released by the Kremlin.
Russian presidential aide Yury Ushakov said 22 of those countries would be represented by heads of state or government.
The gathering is co-chaired by Russian President Vladimir Putin and Burundian President Évariste Ndayishimiye, the current Chairperson of the African Union.
Discussions cover trade, investment, energy, agriculture, education, technology and regional security.
The summit agenda also includes a proposed Russia–Africa Partnership Action Plan for 2027–2029 and a document addressing cooperation in the civilian use of artificial intelligence.
Sudan and Russia sign media cooperation memorandum
Sudan and Russia also announced a new step in media cooperation during the summit.
On October 28, Sudan National Television and Russia Today signed a memorandum of cooperation in Moscow.
The agreement provides for exchanging news and television programs, sharing professional expertise, organizing training activities and developing joint digital media projects.
The memorandum reflects efforts to expand bilateral relations beyond traditional diplomatic and economic cooperation.
Khartoum’s expectations from Moscow visit
Sudan views closer relations with Russia as potentially important for diplomatic cooperation and economic recovery.
Ambassador Siraj said Burhan’s summit address would outline Sudan’s position on peace, stability, national sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Any new agreements announced following the Moscow meetings could influence Sudan’s plans for post-war reconstruction and future economic cooperation.
For now, the confirmed development is Burhan’s arrival in Moscow at the head of Sudan’s high-level delegation and his participation in the summit.
The outcome of the planned talks with President Putin and any new bilateral commitments remain subject to official confirmation.