The son of Sudan’s army chief, Abdel Fattah Burhan, has tragically passed away in a hospital in Ankara, Turkey, on Friday. Mohammed Fattah Burhan Rahman had been receiving treatment at the hospital since March 6, when he was critically injured in a motorcycle accident on the outskirts of Ankara. The accident occurred when his motorbike collided with a vehicle, throwing him several meters from the bike. Despite being treated in the hospital’s intensive care unit, he succumbed to his injuries. The news was confirmed by Turkey’s state-run news agency, Anadolu Agency, and the private DHA news agency. Burhan, who is Sudan’s de-facto leader, and other family members have been informed of his son’s death.
The tragic death of Mohammed Fattah Burhan Rahman comes at a turbulent time for Sudan, which has been engulfed in chaos since mid-April 2023. Tensions between the military, led by Abdel Fattah Burhan, and the Rapid Support Forces paramilitary, commanded by Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo, erupted into violent street battles in the capital, Khartoum. The conflict has since spread to other parts of the country, including urban areas and the western Darfur region. This incident adds to the ongoing turmoil and instability in Sudan, further complicating the already dire situation in the country.
This is not the first time a high-profile individual has been involved in a tragic incident in Turkey. Earlier this year, the son of Somalia’s president was found guilty of “causing death by negligence” after a diplomatic car he was driving collided with a motorcycle courier on a highway in Istanbul. The Turkish court initially sentenced him to 2 1/2 years in prison but later commuted the sentence to a fine. The incident highlighted the importance of road safety and accountability, especially for individuals in positions of power or influence.
The details surrounding Mohammed Fattah Burhan Rahman’s motorcycle accident and subsequent death remain unclear, and there has been no official statement from the Turkish authorities regarding the incident. Meanwhile, Sudanese embassy officials have not been reachable for comment on the matter. The sudden loss of Burhan’s son has undoubtedly had a profound impact on him and his family, adding to the personal tragedy amidst the ongoing political and social unrest in Sudan. The circumstances of the accident and the events leading up to it may eventually come to light as investigations continue.
As the news of Mohammed Fattah Burhan Rahman’s death spreads, condolences and messages of support are likely to pour in from various quarters, both within Sudan and internationally. The loss of a loved one is always a difficult and trying time, and the sudden death of the army chief’s son will undoubtedly cast a shadow over the family and the nation as a whole. The tragic incident serves as a reminder of the fragility of life and the unpredictability of events, emphasizing the need for safety and caution in everyday activities, especially on the road. The mourning period for Burhan and his family will undoubtedly be a challenging time as they come to terms with their loss and navigate the difficult circumstances surrounding the death of their loved one.
