Ansar leader calls for end to Sudan’s War
March 25, 2024 (CAIRO) – Abdel Mahmoud Abu, Secretary-General of the Ansar Affairs Committee, a prominent religious group in Sudan, urged an end to the country’s ongoing war. He stressed that while war can be a legitimate means to prevent corruption, repel aggression, and deter injustice, it must serve a clear purpose and avoid further suffering.
“If the war doesn’t achieve these goals, it becomes invalid,” Abu said in an interview with Sudan Tribune. He leads the Ansar sect, the Umma Party’s religious arm, following Imam Sadiq al-Mahdi’s passing.
Abu expressed deep concern about the war’s toll on civilians. He pointed to loss of life, property destruction, and a deepening national divide. He argued that continuing the conflict would only lead to more atrocities and the country’s collapse.
He advocated for pressuring decision-makers and appealing to their conscience to stop the bloodshed. He emphasized that true courage lies in ending the war, not perpetuating it.
Abu cited a Hadith (prophetic saying) to highlight the gravity of the situation: “The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: If two Muslims meet with their swords drawn, then the killer and the killed will go to Hell.”
While acknowledging that religious leaders lack the power to directly end the war, Abu emphasized their role in offering guidance and promoting reconciliation. He stressed the importance of clarifying the legal justifications for war, distinguishing between legitimate self-defense and unnecessary conflict.
“Resistance is unquestionably permissible in defense of oneself, honor, property, and homeland,” Abu stated. He underscored the need to differentiate between valid justifications and the continuation of war for its own sake.
Regarding the Ansar Affairs Committee’s role, Abu highlighted its focus on guidance and advocacy. He stated that the organization has consistently urged all parties to end the war, acknowledging there can be no victors. He pledged their continued efforts to promote reconciliation.
Regarding accusations against the Tagagum coalition, which the NUP is affiliated with, Abu refuted claims that the Umma Party provides political cover for the Rapid Support Forces. He pointed out the party’s public pronouncements against the war and their pursuit of peace between the armed forces and the Rapid Support Forces.
Regarding accusations that the Tagadum coalition, to which the Umma Party belongs, provides political cover for the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), Abu strongly refuted this claim. He pointed out the party’s public pronouncements consistently opposing the war and seeking peace and reconciliation between the warring parties.
The religious leader acknowledged reports of human rights violations by the RSF paramilitary forces. He reiterated the Ansar’s condemnation of the war and its resulting atrocities. He emphasized that ending the conflict is essential to prevent further violations.
“We have consistently condemned the war and the violations that stem from it,” Abu concluded. “The Ansar Affairs Committee calls for an immediate end to the war.”
Recently, the NUP called on Tagadum to reconsider its biased position towards the RSF, which is accused of crimes against humanity, war crimes and grave human rights violations.
(ST)