Burhan fires back at Islamist preacher over army remarks

November 30, 2024 (KHARTOUM) – Sudan’s military leader, General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, on Saturday dismissed doubts about the army’s ability to defeat the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and rejected assertions that Islamist factions were responsible for recent military gains.

“The army does not belong to any individual,” al-Burhan told the troops in Omdurman, who are preparing to retake Khartoum from the paramilitary group. “If any entity believes it has a fighter within our ranks, let them come and take him. This is Sudan’s army.”

He stressed the army’s independence and urged people not to speak on its behalf, directly addressing recent comments by Islamic preacher Abdel Hay Youssif, who lives in Turkey.

“To anyone doubting this, we say: come and see for yourself,” al-Burhan said, referring to Youssif ‘s claims that the army was ineffective. “Just yesterday, a takfiri – and we consider him one of the extremists – claimed there is no army.”

He further addressed Youssif: “Stay asleep in your cold, comfortable place because you lack the courage to face real men.”

On Friday, Youssif attributed the army’s battlefield successes to the Popular Resistance, which he linked to the Islamic Movement. He also criticized al-Burhan personally, saying the Islamic Movement did not trust him and accusing him of allowing the RSF to grow in strength.

Youssif’s remarks drew a swift response from the Islamic Movement, which issued a statement supporting the army and denying Youssif’s membership in the organization.

Al-Burhan dismissed Youssif as “misguided” and vowed to rid Sudan of the RSF rebellion. “We will triumph despite anyone’s opposition,” he said. “God is with us, and He will grant us victory.”

The army has recently made significant gains in its campaign against the RSF, retaking key areas in Khartoum state and several cities in the Sennar state.