البرهان: شطب دعاوى سياسيين حوار السودان وحصانة مؤقتة

• Sudanese Justice Minister Abdallah Darf announced on September 1, 2026, that Abdel Fattah al-Burhan has issued written guarantees for the Sudanese-Sudanese dialogue.
• These guarantees include the nullification of cases related to political opinion and the dropping of associated charges for Sudanese citizens.
• Participants in the dialogue and consultations will receive temporary procedural immunity, preventing criminal proceedings against them during their involvement.
• The measures aim to facilitate a national dialogue by creating a secure environment for political and civil forces to engage in discussions.

By removing the threat of prosecution for past political expressions and ensuring legal protection during the dialogue, the government aims to create a safe space for open and honest discussions.

On September 1, 2026, Sudanese Justice Minister Abdallah Darf confirmed that Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, the head of the Sovereign Council, had issued explicit written guarantees aimed at facilitating the ongoing Sudanese-Sudanese dialogue initiative. These significant measures include the nullification of past legal proceedings related to political expression and the provision of temporary procedural immunity for individuals participating in the dialogue. The announcement from Khartoum underscores a concerted effort to create a more accommodating environment for national political discourse.

The guarantees from Abdel Fattah al-Burhan follow the launch of preliminary consultations by a committee in Khartoum earlier that week. This committee, formed on Sunday, is tasked with preparing the ground and arranging meetings with various political and civil forces across Sudan. The overarching goal of these consultations is to formulate a shared vision for initiating a comprehensive dialogue within the nation, an endeavor explicitly backed by governmental assurances and protective immunities.

The initiative has extended an invitation to all political, civil, and community stakeholders, urging them to engage in initial discussions. These preliminary talks are intended to address crucial aspects such as the prerequisites for any serious national dialogue, the concerns held by different parties, the specific guarantees required, and the criteria for participation and representation. Minister Darf emphasized that the head of the Sovereign Council's response directly addresses the dialogue initiative's call for clear, written safeguards.

Minister Darf elaborated on the specific legal provisions encompassed by these guarantees during a press conference held in Khartoum. A key component involves the nullification (شطب بلاغات الرأي السياسي السودان) of all reports and cases registered under public right by any state apparatus against any Sudanese citizen, whether residing inside or outside the country. This applies specifically to accusations stemming from actions taken or statements made as expressions of political opinion. Consequently, all charges (إسقاط تهم سياسية السودان) associated with these particular cases are to be dropped for those individuals covered by this decision.

Furthermore, the guarantees extend to granting temporary procedural immunity (حصانة إجرائية مؤقتة حوار السودان) to all participants in the consultations and the broader dialogue. This immunity ensures that no criminal proceedings can be initiated against these individuals from the moment they enter Sudan until their departure, following the conclusion of their involvement in the dialogue process. This measure aims to protect participants from legal repercussions related to their political activities during the period of engagement.

The decision by Abdel Fattah al-Burhan to nullify political charges and grant temporary immunity is a critical step designed to foster trust and encourage broad participation in the Sudanese-Sudanese dialogue. By removing the threat of prosecution for past political expressions and ensuring legal protection during the dialogue, the government aims to create a safe space for open and honest discussions. This move is essential for addressing the deep-seated political divisions and paving the way for a more stable and inclusive future for Sudan.

These guarantees are fundamental to the success of the national dialogue, as they directly address potential barriers to participation, particularly for those who may have faced charges due to their political views. The commitment to شطب دعاوى سياسيين حوار السودان (nullifying political lawsuits for the Sudan dialogue) and providing حصانة إجرائية مؤقتة حوار السودان (temporary procedural immunity for the Sudan dialogue) signals a willingness to de-escalate political tensions. It provides a foundational assurance that could enable a wider array of voices to contribute to shaping the nation's political trajectory, ultimately supporting the broader goal of national reconciliation and stability.

Lawyers advising political clients in Sudan should be aware of the nullification of past political charges and the temporary procedural immunity granted to dialogue participants, which may affect ongoing cases, future legal strategies, and the scope of political expression.

Source: Original reporting via Sudan Tribune