Al-Burhan dispels hopes for peace, pledging to continue the war
The Sudanese army commander announces his commitment to continue the war, criticizing African countries that welcomed Hemeti, indicating further deepening of his international isolation
Sudanese army commander Abdul Fattah al-Burhan rejects an agreement signed between the Rapid Support Forces and political groups, pledging to continue the ongoing war for nine months. In a speech delivered to his forces today, Friday, this reaffirms his unwillingness to end the conflict by obstructing all efforts made for peace. This stance comes as the Rapid Support Forces leader, Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (Hemeti), receives warm welcomes and official receptions during his first foreign tour, which includes several African capitals.
The warmth of the reception Hemeti received in the African countries he visited highlights the significant respect and trust he enjoys, as he extends his hand for peace, endeavors to end the war, and opens the door to communication with all Sudanese forces and regional neighbors for a civil state that accommodates all components, returning the army to its barracks and duties defined by the constitution.
Al-Burhan, promoting narratives often echoed to the armed forces, as well as the Islamic movement and remnants of the previous regime supporting him, stated, “All of Sudan and the entire world witnessed the heinous and atrocious crimes committed by the rebels and their accomplices in the state of West Darfur. The whole world witnessed that these rebel forces committed war crimes and crimes against humanity in West Darfur and across Sudan.” He added, “Therefore, we have no reconciliation with them, and we have no agreement with them.”
Some unnamed politicians are calling to distance themselves from Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo ‘Hemeti,’ the Rapid Support Forces commander, stating, “I tell them you have erred; you have agreed with rebels outside the law,” urging political forces to engage in dialogue on the condition that it takes place in Sudan. He pointed out that some regional countries welcome the Rapid Support Forces commander, applauding and preparing receptions for him, saying, “We do not accept it, and it is an insult to the Sudanese people.”
Al-Burhan‘s remarks coincide with Hemeti’s foreign tour, including Djibouti, Uganda, Ethiopia, Kenya, South Africa, and Rwanda, which he reached today, Friday.
Hemeti, in a post on the ‘X’ platform, stated, “I arrived today in Kigali, the capital of the Republic of Rwanda, as part of my visits to several sister and friendly countries to reflect the developments taking place in our country in light of the ongoing war.”
He continued, “Rwanda represents an inspiring model that we, as Sudanese, can learn from its experience in achieving security, stability, and sustainable peace.”
He concluded, “We are determined to end this war for the sake of our people and rebuild our country on new and fair foundations under true democratic rule.” Hemeti expressed his eagerness during his foreign tour to expedite negotiations leading to the end of the conflict, driven by his desire to establish a just peace and save his people from the horrors of war.
Observers believe that the Rapid Support Forces commander has further enhanced his international position after confirming his “unconditional” readiness to negotiate for a ceasefire and his commitment to the outcomes of the summit of member states of the African Union Development Agency (IGAD).
The signing of the Rapid Support Forces on the Addis Ababa Declaration with the “Progress” Civil Alliance sent messages to the world indicating the readiness of the Rapid Support Forces to end the war. This is in contrast to al-Burhan‘s confrontational approach and stubbornness despite consecutive defeats on the battlefield and losing control of most Sudanese army bases and many areas.
The Rapid Support Forces affirmed their full readiness for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire, measures to protect civilians, facilitating the return of citizens to their homes, providing humanitarian aid, and cooperating with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. Additionally, they agreed to the declaration of principles and proposed roadmap by ‘Progress.’
Since mid-April 2023, the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces have been engaged in a war that has resulted in more than 12,000 deaths and over 6 million displaced and refugees, according to the United Nations.
