Jeddah talks to tackle humanitarian and military issues, Kabbashi says
October 22, 2023 (KHARTOUM) – Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Shams al-Din Kabbashi, announced that the Jeddah negotiations will focus on addressing both humanitarian and military matters in preparation for future political processes.
After departing from the Army General Command in Khartoum on Saturday, Al-Kabbashi, hailing from Omdurman, disclosed that the Jeddah process would resume with the Rapid Support Forces regarding the cessation of hostilities on Thursday, October 26.
During a briefing to army commanders in Port Sudan on Sunday, he elaborated that the negotiations would centre on two fundamental issues: humanitarian concerns and military and security considerations.
“We are deeply concerned about the humanitarian situation. Civilians are enduring challenging conditions, and we have no objections to delivering humanitarian aid to every individual in any location, all within the framework of respecting sovereignty and national security,” he stated.
“The second issue of concern relates to security and military matters. In this regard, we are committed to reaching an agreement, but it must be guided by clear and established principles,” he emphasized.
Kabbashi underscored that this agenda would be addressed in accordance with the principles outlined in the Jeddah Declaration signed on May 11, 2023. He emphasized that the commencement of the political process hinges on the implementation of the Jeddah Agreement.
At the end of his remarks, he reiterated that the armed forces and the government’s vision for the negotiations is grounded in the principle of not compromising on rights, sovereignty, or security.
He stressed that there is no room for overlooking past actions, highlighting the need for accountability and justice for the actions committed by the Rapid Support Forces.
“There is no place for let bygones be bygones,” he said.
Military media reported that the Chairman of the Sovereignty Council and Commander-in-Chief of the Army, Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan, met with Kabbashi to discuss the operational situation in light of the efforts made by the armed forces to suppress the rebellion of the “terrorist Rapid Support militia” against the state.
Intense clashes in Omdurman
On Sunday, fierce armed clashes unfolded in various parts of Omdurman, as confrontations between the army and the RSF escalated, with both sides deploying a wide array of weaponry.
According to military sources, Sudanese army units positioned in the Engineers Corps facilities and camps to the north of Omdurman assaulted the RSF positions on Sunday morning, near the vicinity of the radio and television station and several residential areas.
Witnesses reported the use of heavy weaponry in Abbasiya, Al-Mawradah, Banant, Al-Arda Street, the Popular Market, and the Omdurman market. Additionally, military aircraft carried out intensive bombings of RSF positions in near the Shambat Bridge, linking Omdurman to Khartoum Bahri, and in the southern areas of Omdurman, specifically Al-Salha.
On their part, the paramilitary forces shelled the northern areas of Omdurman, causing harm to civilians. Eyewitnesses said that a shell landed in the 42nd neighbourhood of AL-Thora, resulting in injuries to several residents. The bombing incident also led to the temporary closure of Sabreen Market, a critical source of food supplies for the Karari, Ambada, and Omdurman neighbourhoods.
An escalation of military operations is expected in the near future, following the army’s announcement of its reengagement in negotiations in Jeddah.
(ST)