Al-Burhan vows to reject any peace that does not meet Sudanese apiration
December 3, 2023 (WAD MADANI)- Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, Chairman of Sudan’s Sovereign Council and Commander-in-Chief of the Sudanese Armed Forces, declared on Sunday that his government will not negotiate with the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) unless the terms align with the aspirations of the Sudanese people. He criticized political forces that he accused of supporting the RSF, which he termed a “rebel militia.”
The Jeddah negotiations, mediated by Saudi Arabia, the United States, and IGAD, were abruptly suspended shortly after Al-Burhan’s remarks. The suspension arose from an impasse over building confidence measures and ending military demonstrations in urban areas.
The army demands the withdrawal of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) from civilian homes and their assembly into camps outside the towns. Additionally, it requires the removal of checkpoints and military outposts installed by the RSF in main streets of the capital.
In his address to officers, and soldiers of the 1st Infantry Division in Wad Madani, al-Burhan stated, “Any peace negotiations that fail to meet the aspirations of the Sudanese people will not be accepted… and no solutions will be imposed on us from abroad.”
Al-Burhan condemned unnamed political forces, alleging their support for the rebellion and pursuit of personal gains. He asserted, “There is no path to power over the skulls and body parts of Sudanese citizens.”
He emphasized the government’s unwavering resolve to find definitive solutions to the Sudanese crisis, stating, “We engaged in negotiations with a sincere intention to attain a fair, inclusive, and lasting peace. We say to those who beg in the capitals of the world, seeking solutions, that the solution lies at home. They must engage in dialogue with the Sudanese people, who will unequivocally reject any rebellion and those who align with it.”
He reiterated his commitment to continuing the “Battle of Dignity” to defeat the RSF, emphasizing the determination and resolve of the armed forces and the support of the Sudanese people.
Al-Burhan also reaffirmed Sudan’s desire to cooperate with the international community and welcomed the new UN Secretary-General’s envoy, Ramatane Lamamra. However, he cautioned, “We do not want an envoy who sides with a faction or group; otherwise, his fate will be similar to that of Volker Perthes.”
On Friday, at Khartoum’s request, the UN Security Council, with a majority vote and Russia abstaining, ended the mandate of the United Nations Mission to Support the Transition in Sudan (UNMISS).