Sandal accuses former regime remnants of using tribal divisions to fuel Sudan conflict
June 6, 2024 (ADDIS ABABA) – Suleiman Sandal, leader of a faction of the Sudanese Justice and Equality Movement (JEM), claims that the ongoing war in Sudan against the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) is being orchestrated by elements within the army aligned with the former National Congress Party (NCP).
Sandal and other JEM leaders split from the main group led by Jibril Ibrahim last year. Ibrahim’s group aligned with the army against the RSF, while Sandal’s faction advocates for a peaceful resolution to the conflict and declared their neutrality.
In an interview with Sudan Tribune, Sandal stated, “Since the beginning of this war, ignited by the National Congress Party remnants and their allies within the army, they have attacked RSF camps in an attempt to regain power. Failing that, they have turned to creating new militias.”
He continued, “This is an old, recurring tactic, as they are accustomed to exploiting tribal divisions and instigating conflict. The same policy was used in Darfur and South Sudan. It is a policy of division.”
Sandal asserted that the current war in North Darfur is part of a deliberate plan to arm tribes, exploiting existing tensions and internal conflicts.
“They insist on this approach,” Sandal said, “but with the revolutionary awareness of the Sudanese people, it is clear that this war is not about tribes. It is a war between the National Congress Party and its affiliated army against the Rapid Support Forces.”
He cited the Political Framework Agreement between the Forces of Freedom and Change, the armed forces, and the RSF as a key factor in the conflict, arguing that its goal was to restore the old regime to power.
He also identified historical grievances, power imbalances, and a lack of consensus on a unified political vision for Sudan as contributing factors to the ongoing war.
Mobilization of tribes
Sandal condemned attempts to mobilize tribes, particularly the Zaghawa, and exploit regional contradictions, calling it a failed and destructive policy. Sandal emphasized that the NCP’s efforts to create militias and pit tribes against each other will ultimately fail due to the awareness of the Sudanese people.
Sandal warned of the re-emergence of NCP-affiliated groups that disappeared during the December Revolution, who are now attempting to manipulate the Zaghawa tribe. He expressed confidence that these efforts would fail, emphasizing the tribe’s diversity and presence within both the RSF and the army.
He dismissed the Zaghawa Shura Council’s support for the army as a “desperate and failed” attempt to use the social body for political purposes, calling it the work of “opportunists.”
Sandal denied any tribal connection to the war in Khartoum, praising the efforts of young people, native administration, and political forces in affirming that this conflict is not about tribal affiliations.
He concluded by reiterating that the only solution to the conflict is through negotiations and the end of the National Congress Party’s influence.
El-Fasher faces humanitarian crisis
El Fasher is experiencing a dire humanitarian crisis, according to Suleiman Sandal, leader of a faction of the Justice and Equality Movement (JEM). He asserts that the city’s fall is not imminent, as it’s a military matter, and emphasizes that the only solution is a ceasefire followed by negotiations.
Sandal confirmed that all citizens in El Fasher are enduring extreme hardship. He stated that the JEM has consistently advocated for an end to the war and is actively leading efforts to establish local and regional ceasefires.
In the interview, Sandal revealed that neutral forces are planning to restructure the joint force, following the departure of movements that aligned with the National Congress Party and the Sudanese army. The joint force, comprised of armed movements, was initially formed in late April 2023 to deliver humanitarian aid and protect civilians in El Fasher.
Sandal proposed, “The current thinking involves handing over the city to neutral armed struggle movements, with both the Rapid Support Forces and the army withdrawing. This would facilitate a local ceasefire agreement and enable humanitarian aid delivery.”
He described the situation in El Fasher as critical, reiterating that negotiations or a local ceasefire are the only solutions. The JEM is prepared to cooperate fully with all parties, including international and local organizations, youth, native administration, and political forces in El Fasher, to stop the clashes and the war.
Sandal acknowledged the joint force’s significant contributions in Darfur, particularly in delivering relief and protecting civilians. However, he criticized their abandonment of neutrality as a catalyst for renewed conflict in Darfur, particularly in El Fasher.
He identified movements that remain committed to neutrality, including the JEM, the Sudan Liberation Movement-Transitional Council, the Sudan Liberation Forces Alliance, and the Sudanese Alliance. These groups are working to restructure the joint force and propose initiatives for a local ceasefire, the withdrawal of all forces from El Fasher, and collaboration with international organizations to deliver aid and open safe corridors.
Sandal attributed the need for restructuring the joint force to the complex situation, requiring significant effort, political will, and sincerity from all parties to end the war and restore normalcy.
The Egyptian initiative
Regarding the Egyptian initiative to convene Sudanese political forces in late June, Sandal said he lacks full details but welcomes any effort by Egypt, an “important and pivotal country in the Sudanese issue,” to stop the war. He expressed support for the initiative and any action aimed at ending the conflict.
Sandal mentioned the Coordination of Civil Democratic Forces (Tagadum) proposal for a “Round Table” to unite political forces committed to stopping the war and upholding the December Revolution’s goals. He emphasized that any initiative to end the war is welcomed.