Al-Burhan asserts Sudanese army’s resolve amid RSF successes in Darfur
October 31, 2023 (KHARTOUM) – Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, the Commander-in-Chief of the Sudanese Armed Forces, said the army is not intimated by the recent military developments in Darfur and warned that they will respond decisively should the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) choose to reject the agreements signed in May 2023.
Al-Burhan made the remarks during a visit to the Wadi Saydna military base in Omdurman on Tuesday, following a sudden return from Port Sudan.
He appeared in pictures visiting the commander of the 16th Division in Nyala, Major General Hussein Jawdat, in an undisclosed hospital. It is believed that Jawdat was injured during recent battles with the Rapid Support Forces.
In a speech to his troops, al-Burhan stressed that the army is committed to peace and peaceful solutions, but will not hesitate to take military action if necessary.
“If the other party rejects peace, the army will have no choice but to make a military decision,” he said. “What happened in Darfur confirms that the enemy does not want peace and does not want to end the war.”
Al-Burhan was referring to the recent escalation of violence in Darfur, where the RSF has seized control of two strategic military bases in South and Central Darfur states. In addition, paramilitary forces seized Belila Airport in one of the most important oil fields in West Kordofan state.
The RSF is a paramilitary force that has been accused of human rights abuses in Darfur. The group has been fighting the army for more than six months after the eruption of war in Khartoum on April 15.
The army leader is accused of sealing a secret alliance with the Islamists who allegedly ignited the war against the paramilitary forces. But he vigorously denied the accusation.
Islamists and war advocates have escalated criticism of al-Burhan after the RSF seized army positions in Darfur, accusing him of not taking the necessary measures to deter the “Janjaweed.”
Al-Burhan stressed that the army will not be intimidated by the recent escalations in Darfur adding that “the army will continue to fight them until the last soldier if they refuse peace.”
Al-Burhan also warned of what he called a “hidden enemy” among the Sudanese” and rejected what he perceived as “derision” from certain politicians.
He also said that there are some politicians and political parties that have accepted foreign aid and allied with the “rebellion” to implement the agenda of countries that have an interest in dismantling Sudan and displacing its people.
The military leader stressed that the army will not allow the disintegration and collapse of Sudan, will not yield to any external pressure, and will not compromise the country’s sovereignty.
(ST)