Sudan's Burhan and Mali's Intelligence Chief Meet to Strengthen Ties Amid Conflict
On April 9, 2025, in Port Sudan, Sudan’s leader General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan had a meeting with Mali’s top spy official, Modibo Kone. This encounter represents another significant diplomatic engagement intended to bolster ties between the two nations. As Sudan continues to grapple with an internal conflict, it aims to garner backing from neighboring countries through such strategic contacts, according to statements made by Sudan’s ruling council.
Kone conveyed orally to Burhan a message from Mali’s President Assimi Goita regarding bilateral relations and methods to strengthen collaboration "across all sectors," according to a statement released by the Sovereign Council’s media office.
Burhan commended the "brotherly relationships" among the countries and emphasized the importance of strengthening these bonds to advance their "shared goals," the statement noted.
The gathering, which included Sudan's Chief of General Intelligence Services, General Ahmed Ibrahim Mufaddal, comes after several recent meetings as both nations address major security issues.
Burhan traveled to Bamako, Mali’s capital, from January 11-13, 2025, for discussions centered around security and economic collaboration. This trip came after General Shams al-Din Kabbashi, a prominent Sudanese official, visited Bamako on June 5, 2024, with the intention of strengthening security, military, and diplomatic ties.
The drive towards stronger security partnerships arises as Sudan’s military, which supports Burhan, engages in an ongoing battle with the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). This conflict has been raging for nearly three years. The government in Khartoum has expressed repeated worries over suspected recruiting efforts by the RSF within neighboring nations such as Mali and throughout the broader Sahel area. They have also called for regional collaboration aimed at preventing foreign combatants from entering the fray.
Discussions during those earlier visits reportedly included agreements to establish joint commissions and facilitate exchanges between the two countries’ armed forces.
Since the outbreak of conflict in the capital city of Khartoum about a year ago, Sudan’s interim administration has primarily functioned out of Port Sudan. Meanwhile, Mali’s regime, having come into control through a series of coups, has focused on strengthening ties with neighboring states while also tackling persistent security challenges and enduring external scrutiny.