Sudan’s Bashir reiterates his commitment to end rebellion by 2016

September 8, 2015 (KHARTOUM) – The Sudanese president Omer Hassan al-Bashir has renewed his pledge to crush rebellion in Darfur, Blue Nile and South Kordfoan and achieve peace by 2016.

Bashir, who attended the handing over ceremony at the defence ministry on Tuesday, reviewed the role of the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) in defending the country, saying it continued to provide the state with qualified personnel in the entire domains.

He pointed that SAF has been fighting since 1955 and remained strong and tenacious despite the change of governments and domestic and regional policies.

Bashir promised that 2016 will witness the end of rebellion in the country, vowing to offer his full support for the SAF in order to perform its role and duties in the required manner.

SAF and its allied militias have been fighting SPLM-N rebels in Blue Nile and South Kordofan since 2011 and a group of armed movements in Darfur since 2003.

The Sudanese president expressed his appreciation to the outgoing minister of defence Mustafa Osman Obied, saying he carried out his assignment with skill, merit and competence.

Bashir added that the incoming defence minister, Awad Ibn Auf has held several senior positions at SAF besides serving as Sudan’s ambassador to Sultanate of Oman, saying he acquired a lot of expertise that qualify him to accomplish his current task to the fullest.

Ibn Auf, for his part, promised to complete the plan for developing SAF in collaboration with the Joint Chiefs of Staff in order to reach new horizons, stressing he would pay full attention to the serviceman as the cornerstone for the modernization, development and rebuilding of SAF.

He praised the role of SAF and the other regular forces and their willingness to sacrifice in order to achieve peace and security throughout the country.

The defence minister also called upon arms bearers and the “outlaws” to join the peace process in order to participate in Sudan’s development.

“SAF is a national institution that is characterized by fixed work contexts which make replacement and substitution a motive for improvement and excellence” he added.

Ibn Auf said he received full cooperation from SAF’s officers, non-commissioned officers and soldiers which enabled him to carry out his duties in a more satisfactory manner.

He praised his predecessor, Mustafa Obied saying he is known for his impartiality, loyalty, skills and expertise.

(ST)