KASSALA, Sudan
In a significant shift in strategy, Sudanese Army Commander-in-Chief Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan has directed the army and allied armed movements to launch a full-scale offensive against the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), aiming to expel them from all areas under their control.
Al-Burhan’s announcement, made
during a visit to Kassala State, came amidst a comprehensive mobilization of
Sudanese army forces and armed movements from Darfur, who are receiving
extensive military training and support from civilian volunteers.
Addressing troops from the
11th Infantry Division in Khashm Al-Girba, Al-Burhan declared, “We will no
longer be on the defensive. We will advance and attack with the forces of the
movements from all directions, from Darfur and the eastern states, the central
states, and the northern states, relying on the will and determination of the
Sudanese people who stand united with their armed forces against these rebels.”
Upon the outbreak of the armed
conflict with the Rapid Support Forces, Al-Burhan instructed his troops to
prioritize defensive manoeuvres and abstain from offensive actions.
Simultaneously, he initiated training programmes to prepare the army for
guerrilla warfare and acquired weaponry and vehicles specifically tailored for
this type of combat.
This announcement marks the
official transition from a defensive posture to an offensive strategy against
the RSF, almost nine months after the conflict began.
Burhan has positioned himself
as a proponent of negotiations for resolving the ongoing conflict, but has also
maintained a firm stance against external interference and warned against the
potential for Hemetti’s treachery.
Sudanese Army Commander has expressed his willingness to engage in negotiations with the Rapid Support Forces, but only under certain conditions. He has emphasized that the Rapid Support Forces must vacate civilian areas and return looted goods to both citizens and the state.
While Burhan acknowledged that
negotiation can sometimes lead to victory, he also stressed that the army will
not hesitate to resort to force if necessary to reclaim what was taken by
force.
He reiterated that Sudan will
not accept solutions imposed by external parties, including the
Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD). He dismissed IGAD’s
involvement, stating that the organization should not meddle in Sudanese
affairs.
Instead, Burhan urged
politicians to seek solutions within Sudan and engage in dialogue with all
segments of society to reach mutually agreeable outcomes. He specifically
addressed Abdallah Hamdok, former Prime Minister the head of the Coordination
of Civil Democratic Forces (Tagadam), and reiterated that any negotiations must
take place within Sudan’s borders.
Warning political forces of
the dangers posed by RSF Commander Mohamed Hamdan Daglo “Hemetti”, Burhan
branded him as “a treacherous man without a covenant.” He cited Hemetti’s past
betrayals of the army and intelligence officials, along with numerous assassinations
against his own comrades.
Al-Burhan further highlighted
the severe atrocities perpetrated by the RFS against civilians and their
attacks on infrastructure.
He characterized the RSF
leader as “the instigator of sedition and the ringleader of criminals.” He
accused Hemetti of spreading misinformation by claiming that civilians were
approaching RSF sites, stating that paramilitary forces were the aggressors, attacking
innocent and defenceless citizens.
“We will pursue the leader of
the rebellion, hold him accountable, and make him responsible for the actions
of his militia, including theft, looting, murder, and rape.” He added, “The
Sudanese people will never forget the heinous crimes of the Rapid Support
Militia, as these acts of immorality are not in line with the values of the
Sudanese people.”
He affirmed that the armed
forces will remain steadfast in their positions, will not yield, and will not
pardon those who have desecrated the dignity of the Sudanese people, stolen
their possessions, and shattered the security and stability of citizens.
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