KHARTOUM, Sudan
In a bold threat issued on Thursday, the commander of Sudan’s paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), Mohamed Hamdan Daglo, “Hemetti,” warned that if the army commander forms a cabinet centred in Port Sudan, he would declare another government with Khartoum as its capital.
In recent weeks, al-Burhan,
having left the headquarters of the General Command of the Armed Forces in
Khartoum, established his base of operations in Port Sudan, the capital of the
Red Sea State. This move has also prompted many federal government institutions
to conduct their affairs from this coastal city.
Some media reported that the army, along with political factions aligned with it, plans to establish an emergency government centred in Port Sudan.
However, this proposal has been met
with resistance from political groups opposed to the ongoing conflict, who
advocate for the formation of a civilian transitional government.
In a recording shared on
Twitter, Hemetti stated, “We have shown great patience with al-Burhan’s
unilateral decisions, despite their illegitimacy. We will not permit anyone to
represent Sudan and claim legitimacy. Should this situation persist or remnants
attempt to form a government in Port Sudan, we will promptly initiate extensive
consultations to establish a legitimate authority in areas under our control,
with Khartoum as its capital. We will not tolerate the creation of an
alternative seat of power.”
Hemetti emphasized that the
foremost priority should be the cessation of hostilities and the reunification
of Sudan, rather than the establishment of a war-centric government in Port
Sudan.
The RSF Commander asserted
that the conflict that erupted on April 15 was initiated by members of former
President Al-Bashir’s party to obstruct the path to political and democratic
transition. He added, “Al-Burhan has harboured long-standing ambitions to
become a dictator-president, and he conspired with these remnants.”
He further said that al-Burhan
and his allies expected they could swiftly defeat the RSF. He asserted that the
paramilitary forces now control a significant portion of Khartoum State and
extensive parts of the country.
Hemetti acknowledged that
Al-Burhan and members of the dissolved National Congress Party (NCP) exert
influence over eastern Sudan and regions in the north. Nevertheless, he
asserted, “These territories are within our reach should we desire it. We could
be in Port Sudan today.”
“After their failure to defeat
the RSF and Al-Burhan’s ambition to rule, even if over a portion of Sudan, they
have congregated in Port Sudan. This includes NCP leaders and individuals
evading justice, all claiming to represent a legitimate authority. Al-Burhan
embarks on foreign tours, asserting himself as the head of state despite
lacking legitimacy, with the aim of forming a government in a part of Sudan.
Despite our control over most of Sudan, we refrain from declaring a government.
We seek no authority and remain dedicated to preserving Sudan’s unity,” he
said.
Sudan’s Army
Commander-in-Chief, Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan, has been on a series of foreign
tours since August, visiting countries such as Egypt, South Sudan, Qatar,
Eritrea, and Turkey.
Hemetti strongly warned
against the potential consequences of attempting to establish a government in a
portion of Sudan and al-Burhan’s continued pursuit of legitimacy. He cautioned
that these actions could lead to Sudan’s division.
“Al-Burhan could not maintain
his legitimacy at the General Command, from which he fled. How can he claim to
govern all of Sudan? Our primary focus now should be ending the conflict and
unifying Sudan. Therefore, we must not permit the formation of a war-centric
government in Port Sudan.”
He called upon national
forces, what he referred to as “honourable armed forces,” and the international
and regional communities to counter any endeavours aimed at fragmenting Sudan.
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