Sudan’s al-Burhan seeks alliance with SPLM-N’s al-Hilu against RSF
September 11, 2023 (ASMARA) – Reliable sources informed Sudan Tribune that Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, the head of the Sovereign Council and Chief Army Commander, held a meeting with Abdel Aziz al-Hilu, leader of the SPLM-North, in Asmara. During the meeting, he reportedly requested al-Hilu’s support in fighting alongside the Sudanese army against the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
This Asmara meeting marks the second encounter between al-Burhan and al-Hilu within a week. Previously, there were leaks regarding their meeting in Juba during the Sudanese army chief commander’s visit to South Sudan on September 4.
Sources speaking to Sudan Tribune revealed that during their meeting, al-Burhan requested the SPLA commander to join forces with the Sudanese army in their ongoing conflict against the RSF, which has been ongoing since mid-April.
The sources further disclosed that al-Burhan offered assurances to secure the SPLM-N’s rear lines should they decide to engage in the conflict in Khartoum, potentially reaching Al-Gazira state near the capital, or to confront the RSF in the Darfur and Kordofan regions.
While al-Hilu was known for his opposition to the RSF following the fall of al-Bashir’s regime, his forces surprised many by taking advantage of the conflict between the Sudanese army and paramilitary forces to launch attacks on Sudanese army positions in South Kordofan.
The same sources reported that al-Burhan in return agreed to al-Hilu’s demands, which were part of a memorandum of understanding between al-Hilu and former Prime Minister Abdallah Hamdok on September 4, 2023. These demands include separating between the state and religion and ending Islamist influence over Sudanese state institutions.
Al-Hilu requested one week to deliberate on the army commander’s proposal and consult with the Legislative Council of the SPLM-N.
Prior to the mid-April conflict outbreak, a video featuring the second commander of the SPLA North, Gagod Mukwar, circulated in March, where he stated that al-Burhan and Sovereign Council member Lt Gen Shams al-Din Kabashi had previously requested al-Hilu to join them in an eventual fight against the paramilitary forces.
It is worth mentioning that Hemetti had recruited members of the Misseriya community in West and South Kordofan, raising concerns about an influx of weapons into the region, which could pose a future threat to the Nuba people living there.
Supporters of the SPLA-North claim that their attacks on the Sudanese army aim to establish control over targeted areas before the RSF can take hold, ultimately providing better protection for civilians. Furthermore, they assert that if they succeed in expanding their territorial control, it will strengthen their position in future negotiations with the Sudanese government.
Asmara is currently hosting a meeting for various factions of the Democratic Bloc, which includes SLM-Minniawi, JEM of Gibril Ibrahim, the DUP of Gaffar al-Mirghani, and Mohamed Terik of the Beja Congress.
Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki engaged in discussions with the visiting head of the Sovereign Council regarding bilateral relations. He bid farewell to al-Burhan at Asmara Airport, accompanied by leaders from the Democratic Bloc.
(ST)