Abdel Fattah al-Burhan was born on November 7, 1960, in the village of Gandatu, located in northern Sudan. He was raised in a Sufi family, and from a young age, he showed an interest in military service. Al-Burhan attended the Sudanese Military College as part of the 31st batch, where he received formal training and education in military strategy and tactics.
After completing his studies at the military college, al-Burhan joined the Sudanese Army and participated in various military operations, including the Darfur War and the Second Sudanese Civil War. His dedication and leadership skills caught the attention of his superiors, and he was eventually appointed as the commander of the army's ground forces.
Seeking to further enhance his military knowledge and skills, al-Burhan underwent additional training in Egypt and Jordan, where he honed his expertise in military strategy and command.
In the year 2000, al-Burhan joined the National Congress Party and began to actively participate in Sudanese politics. His military background and leadership abilities made him a rising star within the party, and he quickly climbed the ranks to become a prominent figure in the political landscape of Sudan.
After the ousting of former President Omar Al-Bashir in 2019, al-Burhan was appointed as the Chairman of the Transitional Military Council, overseeing the country's transition to civilian rule. During this period, he played a pivotal role in maintaining stability and order amidst widespread protests and civil unrest.
Despite initially assuming a transitional role, al-Burhan's ambitions soon became apparent. In October 2021, he orchestrated a coup d'état, seizing control of the government and declaring himself as the de facto ruler of Sudan. In a swift and calculated move, he deposed Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok, dissolved the Sovereignty Council, and reconstituted its membership, appointing himself as the chairman.
Al-Burhan's consolidation of power sparked controversy both domestically and internationally, with many condemning his actions as undemocratic and unconstitutional. However, he maintained his grip on power through a combination of military support and strategic alliances.
Despite his prominence in the political realm, al-Burhan keeps his personal life relatively private. It is known that he is married and has three children, but specific details about his family have not been publicly disclosed.
Religiously, al-Burhan identifies as a Sunni Muslim, adhering to the largest branch of Islam practiced by the majority of Sudanese citizens. His faith plays a significant role in shaping his beliefs and decisions as a political leader.
As the de facto ruler of Sudan, al-Burhan has engaged in diplomatic relations with various countries across the globe. In 2019, he made his first international trip as President to meet with President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi in Egypt, laying the groundwork for future collaborations and partnerships.
Later that year, al-Burhan met with President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, to discuss the future of the Non-Aligned Movement over the upcoming three years. These diplomatic engagements underscore al-Burhan's efforts to strengthen Sudan's position on the international stage and forge strategic alliances with key players in the global arena.
Overall, Abdel Fattah al-Burhan's journey from a young military cadet to the de facto ruler of Sudan is a testament to his leadership skills, strategic acumen, and political savvy. While his methods may be controversial, there is no denying his impact on the political landscape of Sudan and the broader region.
Related links