RSF commander calls for ceasefire and political talks
September 21, 2023 (KHARTOUM) – Mohamed Hamdan Daglo, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) Commander, announced his forces’ readiness for an immediate ceasefire and comprehensive political negotiations to end the ongoing conflict with the Sudanese army.
Appearing in military attire with the ٌRSF and Sudanese national flags in the background, Hemetti delivered a recorded video statement to the United Nations just before Sudanese army commander Abdel Fattah al-Burhan presented Sudan’s official address at the United Nations General Assembly.
“The Rapid Support Forces are fully prepared to enforce a ceasefire across Sudan, allowing the unhindered flow of humanitarian aid, safe passages for civilians and relief workers, and initiating substantial and inclusive political discussions to achieve a comprehensive political resolution. This will pave the way for establishing a civilian-led government, steering the country toward democratic transition and enduring peace,” he stated.
He emphasized that the key to achieving lasting peace in Sudan is ending the “violence initiated by the armed forces”. Hemedti highlighted that the conflict had displaced more than four million citizens in Khartoum, in addition to thousands in Darfur and Kordofan.
Hemetti also recalled his political proposal in August to address the Sudanese crisis and halt the ongoing war. This proposal includes a long-term ceasefire, the establishment of democratic civilian rule, the implementation of a federal system of government in Sudan’s regions, and the creation of a new unified Sudanese army.
The Saudi-U.S. brokered ceasefire process in Jeddah failed due to disputes between the army and the Rapid Support Forces. The army had insisted on the RSF withdrawing from urban areas to the military cantonment sites. However, the RSF refused to withdraw outside Khartoum, demanding that the Sudanese army and other regular forces undergo a similar process.
Hemetti recently threatened to form a government if a caretaker government is established in Sudan. He stressed that the primary focus should be achieving a ceasefire rather than forming new governments.
The Sudanese military leaders decline the idea of a political process at the current stage, refusing that the paramilitary group dictates some rules for the talks or even maintains its forces in the future.
(ST)