Sudanese army leader rejects negotiations, calls to recognize government’s authority
July 31, 2024 (GEBIT) – In a defiant speech delivered at a military graduation ceremony on Wednesday, the Sudanese army leader, Lieutenant General Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan, rejected negotiations with rebel forces and called on international mediators to recognize the government’s authority in any peace efforts.
Al-Burhan, who also chairs the Transitional Sovereign Council, accused the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) of violating a previous ceasefire agreement reached in Jeddah and continuing their aggression against the Sudanese people. He vowed to continue fighting until the country is “cleansed” of all rebels and mercenaries.
“We will not lay down our arms until the country is cleansed of every rebel and mercenary. We are continuing to crush and eliminate the terrorist militia of the Dagalo family,” Al-Burhan declared, referring to the RSF’s leader, Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, also known as Hemedti.
The army leader’s strong words came as international efforts to end the conflict in Sudan have intensified. The United Nations, Saudi Arabia, and the United States have all been involved in mediation efforts, but so far, a lasting ceasefire has remained elusive.
Al-Burhan directed a specific message to the UN Special Envoy to Sudan, Ramtane Lamamra, urging him not to “adopt any vision of the rebels” and to consult with the government of Sudan on any peace initiative. He also called on Saudi Arabia and the United States to engage directly with the Sudanese government and listen to its perspective on ending the war.
While rejecting negotiations with the RSF, Al-Burhan expressed his willingness to engage in peace talks that include all popular sectors and armed struggle movements. However, he insisted that any such negotiations must recognize the government’s sovereignty over Sudan and its territories.
The army leader’s defiant stance came as he survived a drone assassination attempt on Wednesday at a military graduation ceremony in Gebit, eastern Sudan. Five people, including students and an officer, were killed.
(ST)