Sudanese army commander vows to arm civilians in Al-Jazirah

May 16, 2024 (PORT SUDAN) – Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, Chairman of Sudan’s Sovereign Council and Commander of the Sudanese Armed Forces has pledged to arm civilians in the Gezira state following a meeting with the High Committee of Popular Resistance.

On Thursday, al-Burhan met with a delegation from the Supreme Committee of Popular Resistance in Gezira state, which has been under the control of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) since the end of last year. The city of Al-Managil, now serving as the state’s provisional capital, replaced Wad Madani.

Al-Burhan assured the committee of his commitment to fulfil their demands, including arming civilians and volunteers, supporting local resistance groups, and reinstating veteran fighters. The meeting was attended by a diverse group, including representatives of Sufi orders, Native Administration, and prominent community figures.

This pledge comes in response to the dire situation in Al-Jazirah, where the RSF has been accused of grave human rights violations since assuming control. These abuses range from murder, kidnapping, and forced displacement to terror campaigns, sexual violence, and rampant looting of property and resources.

Al-Jazirah residents have expressed growing frustration with the government’s response to attacks by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). In recent days, WhatsApp groups for the region have seen calls for self-armament and the formation of local militias to defend against the RSF. These calls criticize General al-Burhan and the army for failing to provide weapons for defence.