Sudan’s military chief vows to account for Wad Madani withdrawal, slams political forces
December 21, 2023 (PORT SUDAN) – Sudan’s Sovereign Council Chairman and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, has vowed to hold accountable those responsible for the withdrawal of government forces from the capital of Al-Jazirah State, Wad Madani.
Addressing officers from the Red Sea Military Area, al-Burhan reaffirmed the armed forces’ commitment to remain unified, strong, and Sudan’s ultimate safeguard. He stressed the resolve of the regular troops to eliminate the “rebel Rapid Support militia”.
In his first public remarks since the Rapid Support Forces’ surprise seizure of Wad Madani on December 18 following the government forces’ withdrawal, al-Burhan urged Sudanese citizens not to doubt the armed forces’ ability to protect them.
“Every soldier fulfils his duty with honesty and sincerity, and we will hold every negligent or retreating individual accountable,” he declared. “Those who forced this withdrawal will also be held accountable without leniency.”
Al-Burhan asserted that the underlying goal of this conflict is Sudan’s colonization by certain global and regional powers.
The army’s withdrawal from Wad Medani triggered a wave of public dissatisfaction across the country. On Tuesday, the army’s military spokesman issued a statement announcing an ongoing investigation into the reasons for the withdrawal and who made the decision. He pledged to release the investigation’s findings promptly.
In addition, Al-Misbah bin Malik, commander of the Islamic Baraa Brigades, which is allied with the Sudanese army, released a video explaining that their withdrawal from Madani was due to a shortage of weapons and ammunition. He stated that he was carrying an unloaded Kalashnikov rifle.
In addition, al-Burhan delivered an unprecedented critique of unnamed political forces, alleging that they are employing the Rapid Support Forces to seize power in Sudan. He accused them of failing to condemn the RSF’s abuses against civilians in the country. He also said they are behind accusations that the army commits war crimes against civilians.
The Forces for Freedom and Change (FFC) sent a letter to al-Burhan on November 18, asking for a meeting to discuss a roadmap for ending the war, but he did not respond to their correspondence.
On the other hand, Al-Burhan commended the armed groups in Darfur that have joined forces with the Sudanese army. He announced that the army would work alongside them to protect the Sudanese people.
Al-Burhan reiterated the army’s determination to eliminate and crush the RSF, declaring that the army would emerge victorious in the end.
He acknowledged the possibility of negotiations with the paramilitary forces in the coming days, but emphasized that this does not signify the army’s surrender or the compromise of the army’s integrity.
He added, “While negotiations may indeed take place soon, there will be no handover to the armed forces. Rather, the specific objectives are a ceasefire and the withdrawal of these forces from residential areas and the sites they entered and looted.”
It is noteworthy to mention that the Sudanese army did not release this portion of al-Burhan’s statement.
(ST)