Sudan’s Burhan vows to pursue RSF until defeated
January 14, 2025 (PORT SUDAN) – Sudanese leader General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan vowed on Tuesday that the military would continue fighting the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) until their defeat, as he returned from a series of diplomatic visits to West African nations.
Speaking in Port Sudan, al-Burhan said, “Those who seek peace must gather the mercenaries and Janjaweed in one place, disarm them, and only then can we reach an agreement.” He was referencing conditions previously outlined by the army for negotiations with the RSF, as stipulated in a May 2023 agreement brokered in Jeddah.
He emphasized that Sudan’s future relationships, both internally with political factions and externally with other nations, would be determined by their current stances on the conflict. While not rejecting peace outright, al-Burhan stated the government’s desire for an end to the war that safeguards Sudanese security and dignity without the presence of the RSF or any armed groups threatening the population.
“To those who lay down their weapons, come to their senses, and return to the nation’s fold, we say welcome. Indeed, a significant number of fighters have surrendered recently, and we have welcomed them,” he said.
Upon his return, Al-Burhan was greeted by cheering crowds in Port Sudan. Many celebrated recent military successes, including the recapture of Wad Madani, the capital of Al-Jazirah state.
Hundreds of residents lined the streets from Port Sudan Airport, chanting, “One army, one people.”
Al-Burhan honoured those killed in the conflict and praised the Sudanese people’s resilience against the RSF, which the government has labelled a “terrorist militia.” He extended his congratulations to the people of Al-Jazirah state and all Sudanese on the recapture of Wad Madani, commending the army’s determination in El-Fasher and its success in pushing back the RSF.
He asserted that military gains would continue, reiterating that “the war will only cease with the elimination of this enemy.”
He urged those affected by RSF abuses to refrain from vigilantism and to surrender any captured individuals to the authorities. “We are a disciplined, regular military force that operates in accordance with international law and humanitarian norms. We are not a militia,” he emphasized.
Al-Burhan also assured that residents of Khartoum and displaced people across the country would soon be able to return to their homes.
Mauritania pledges support
In a separate development, Mauritanian President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani, the current chair of the African Union, expressed his country’s willingness to assist Sudan in overcoming its current crisis, according to a joint statement issued after talks with al-Burhan in Nouakchott.
El Ghazouani voiced deep concern over the humanitarian crisis in Sudan, urging a swift and comprehensive response to ensure aid reaches all affected areas without obstruction. He also called for practical plans to be put in place for reconstruction and economic recovery in Sudan.