Sudanese army to reorganize volunteer forces fighting RSF

May 22, 2024 (AL-MATAMMAH) – Sudanese army commander Abdel Fattah al-Burhan announced a restructuring of volunteer forces fighting alongside the army against the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

During a condolence visit on Tuesday for retired officer Mohamed Siddiq, who was killed in RSF captivity, al-Burhan acknowledged the vital role of volunteers, stating, “The Popular Resistance is the backbone of the army, and three-quarters of those fighting now are volunteers.”

Al-Burhan pledged to formalize the volunteers’ role by integrating them into official army brigades equipped with their own vehicles and weaponry. He emphasized that volunteers would no longer be relegated to rear positions but would fight alongside regular soldiers.

The army commander stressed the importance of nurturing the Popular Resistance as a key pillar of support for the Sudanese people. The tragic death of Mohamed Siddiq, a prominent figure in the 2019 revolution who joined the volunteers after his retirement, has fueled public outrage and strengthened the army’s resolve.

Al-Burhan vowed to avenge the wrongs inflicted by the RSF, promising to restore the rights and dignity of citizens and soldiers who have suffered at their hands.

He resolutely declared, “The war with the enemy has just begun, and we will not let the enemy rest or sleep.”

Following the outbreak of war between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), the army called upon civilians to join its ranks. When the RSF seized control of Al-Jazira State, a surge of volunteers bolstered the army’s efforts, leading to the establishment of the Popular Resistance movement.