Kabbashi warns against political exploitation of Sudan’s Popular Resistance
March 28, 2024 (GEDAREF) – Shams al-Din Kabbashi, Sudan’s Deputy Commander-in-Chief, warned unnamed political forces against exploiting the activities of the Popular Resistance groups, which fight alongside the army, for their own propaganda. Kabbashi spoke during a ceremony in Gedaref State for graduating Sudan Liberation Army-Minawi recruits.
Kabbashi emphasized that Popular Resistance camps must not become a “platform for political manoeuvring.” He said anyone promoting a political agenda within these groups will be denied entry. He stressed that the Sudanese flag is the only one allowed in the camps and vowed to prevent any others from being raised.
The Deputy Commander-in-Chief underscored the need for regulations to govern the Popular Resistance’s activities. “If armed civilians continue to operate outside the law,” he said, “they themselves will become a future threat.” He further revealed plans to enact legislation to control these groups. Kabbashi also directed military commanders to stop arming civilians outside designated camps and confiscate unauthorized weapons found with civilians outside the camps.
His statements come amid the circulation of videos showing Islamic volunteers fighting alongside the Sudanese army, where they promote the achievements of their own militias. Also, some videos showed the Islamist fighters chanting their militant chants during training inside the camps.
It’s important to note that while many political forces and resistance committees participate in the fight against the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), they are less inclined to publicize their involvement under the Sudanese army’s banner.
Kabbashi’s comments can also be seen as a response to criticism regarding the participation of Islamists alongside the army.
Sudan’s military leadership expressed openness to any genuine peace efforts. “We support sincere calls for peace,” Kabbashi said. “We have no issue with that. However, we will not halt the war or agree to a truce that rebel groups can exploit.”
He reiterated the army’s commitment to the Saudi-U.S.-backed Jeddah peace platform, but only on the condition that the RSF withdraws from all cities, civilian homes, and facilities and eventually disbands. Kabbashi emphasized the need for clear mechanisms to ensure accountability for the militia’s actions and compensation for civilian losses.
According to the Sudanese army deputy commander-in-chief, the military will not be part of the future governing body but will contribute to military matters during the negotiation process. He reiterated their refusal to participate in any political process before the war ended. He expressed confidence in the army’s ability to resolve the conflict swiftly. He urged all political and civilian forces to come together and agree on a document to govern the country.
The Deputy Commander-in-Chief expressed the military’s openness to an investigation into the origins of the war on condition of a thorough investigation. He argued that despite efforts to de-escalate the situation, underlying tensions led to the outbreak of war.
Kabbashi characterized the ongoing conflict as a “war waged by the Rapid Support Forces using mercenaries.” He argued, “The current war is not between the army and the RSF. The Rapid Support Forces are merely a tool.”
He concluded by emphasizing that aligning with the Sudanese army represents aligning with the “official and legal body” responsible for protecting the country.
(ST)