Sudan general praises Popular Resistance, dismisses Islamist alliance claims
April 1, 2024 (OMDURMAN)—Sudan’s Assistant Army Commander, Lieutenant General Yasir Al-Atta, addressed accusations of the army aligning with Islamists. He emphasized that the military welcomes anyone who fights alongside them against the “Janjaweed militia”.
Al-Atta’s remarks follow those of Deputy Commander-in-Chief Lieutenant General Shams al-Din Kabbashi last week. Kabbashi warned against political manipulation of the popular resistance movement and announced a law regulating civilian participation alongside the military.
On Monday, Al-Atta hosted a Ramadan iftar event in Omdurman for military leaders, government officials, and political figures. He urged “all actors” to engage with the popular resistance and “form committees to address shortcomings.”
Al-Atta advocated for a structured, popular resistance. He envisioned some units collaborating with the army in military operations, while others work with police on neighborhood security. Additionally, he proposed committees for humanitarian aid, citizen services, and “protecting livelihoods.”
The Popular Resistance groups emerged spontaneously after the RSF militia’s takeover of Al-Jazirah State in December 2023. There were calls to arm civilians for self-defence against potential RSF violence and property theft.
Al-Atta cited the RSF and Forces for Freedom and Change (FFC), claiming their influence persists within the Ministry of Culture and Information, the Public Prosecutor’s Office, the Judiciary, and even the Bank of Sudan. He stated, “They [RSF] and their associates remain embedded within the state apparatus—in banks, agencies, and the justice system.”
“They shouldn’t use fear tactics to intimidate us by saying we are remnants of the former regime. “I am Islamist, a communist, and a red jinn,” Al-Atta declared. “The army is independent, but anyone who fights with us is welcome.”
He revealed that during the Omdurman liberation battles, the Popular Resistance contributed six battalions. He also stated they are preparing seven battalions for the “second phase of operations.”
“Anyone who fights with us is welcome, regardless of their tribe or political affiliation. The popular resistance operates with complete discipline under the army’s command,” he said. “The march will go on, overcoming any obstacles, mines, or challenges, even mountains, to reach its goal,” he reiterated.
He further urged a discussion with General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, head of the Sovereign Council, regarding the 2019 constitutional document signed with the FFC. He declared his rejection of the document and called for the reinstatement of Sudan’s 2005 transitional constitution, with the removal of amendments made by the previous regime.
(ST)