Sudan’s Burhan rejects peace talks, demands RSF withdrawal
August 13, 2024 (PORT SUDAN) – Sudan’s army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan on Wednesday ruled out a ceasefire until the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) withdraw from occupied cities, rejecting U.S.-backed peace talks set to begin in Geneva.
Hours before U.S.-brokered negotiations were set to begin in Switzerland, Burhan reiterated his stance during an Army Day address.
“Military operations will not cease until the last militia withdraws from the cities and villages they have violated and colonized,” Burhan stated.
He also dismissed calls for peace, asserting that “there can be no peace while the rebel militia occupies our homes.”
The U.S. special envoy to Sudan, Tom Perriello, confirmed on X (formerly Twitter) that the Sudanese army declined to participate in the Geneva talks. However, he emphasized ongoing U.S. efforts to end the conflict and noted the RSF’s commitment to negotiations.
Several days ago, Sudanese-American consultations in Saudi Arabia failed to secure the army’s participation in the Geneva talks, with the Sudanese government insisting on the implementation of a previous agreement with the RSF signed in Jeddah in May last year.
Burhan underscored that the path to peace lies in adhering to the Jeddah agreement, which calls for the protection of civilians and safe passage out of conflict zones. Both sides have accused each other of violating the agreement.
The conflict between the army and the RSF, which erupted in April 2023, has resulted in widespread death and displacement, with millions affected.
Burhan further described the RSF’s actions are part of a broader “treacherous aggression” supported by foreign powers and a “hired political group,” referring to the coalition of civilian forces headed by former Prime Minister Abdallah Hamdok.
Burhan vowed to continue the fight, stating, “We will work tirelessly to celebrate the next Army Day with our country cleansed of the militia.”
The Jeddah agreement, signed in May 2023, calls for the protection of civilians and safe passage for those fleeing conflict zones. However, both sides accuse each other of violating the terms.
The conflict has ravaged Sudan since April 15, spreading from the capital Khartoum to Darfur, Kordofan, and other regions. The resulting humanitarian crisis has left millions displaced and facing severe shortages of food and medical supplies.