Al-Burhan reaffirms commitment to crush Rapid Support Forces
December 2, 2023 (AL-GADAREF) – In a defiant speech to a military gathering in the eastern Sudanese city of Gedaref, Sovereign Council Chairman and Sudanese Army Commander-in-Chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan reiterated his unwavering commitment to eradicate the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
“We assure everyone that we will emerge victorious in this battle,” al-Burhan declared, emphasizing that the conflict will only end when “every inch of land desecrated by these rebels is liberated and the mercenaries who have shattered our nation’s infrastructure and occupied citizens’ homes are eliminated.”
The military leader vehemently condemned the RSF’s atrocities against the Sudanese people, describing them as “unprecedented crimes in Sudan’s history.” He further vowed that “the Sudanese people will never forget these transgressions and the stain of this criminal militia will remain etched in their minds until it is eradicated.”
He rejected any attempt to control or dictate to the armed forces, underscoring their paramount he firmly rebuffed any endeavor to command or dictate to the military, emphasizing their crucial responsibility in preserving Sudan’s security, unity, territory, and people.
The ongoing seven-month conflict between the army and the RSF, which erupted on April 15, has exacerbated the country’s already dire humanitarian and health crises. The fighting has resulted in the deaths of countless civilians and the displacement of millions internally and externally.
While acknowledging efforts to achieve peace, al-Burhan maintained a resolute stance, stating, “We aspire for peace, but we will fight with every breath in our bodies. If a just peace emerges that ensures the safe return of citizens to their homes and the restoration of their rights, we will wholeheartedly support it.”
He accused the RSF of reneging on the Jeddah Declaration on the Protection of Civilians, stating, “In May, we reached an agreement to remove traitors from civilians’ homes and relocate them to designated camps. However, they continue to harbour ambitions of maintaining their presence in state institutions and citizens’ homes.”
Since May, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, has hosted negotiations between the army and the RSF under the auspices of the host country and the United States, with the participation of the African Union and IGAD. The negotiations seek a permanent ceasefire to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid to those affected by the conflict. Also, the process is designed to pave the way for AU-IGAD brokered political process to restore a civilian-led government.
Al-Burhan cautioned against the tribal and racial tensions ignited by the conflict, urging Sudanese to repudiate tribalism and regional alliances. He urged the Sudanese to stand united with the armed forces and “support their unwavering resolve to quell the rebellion”.
(ST)