Sudanese army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan announced that the conflict will persist until the RSF disarms. He rejected negotiations and vowed to eradicate the RSF from Sudan completely. The war has resulted in extensive devastation, with significant loss of life and displacement of millions.
In a significant statement, Sudanese army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan declared that hostilities will persist until the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) disarms. This proclamation was made during his first televised address following the military’s recent recapture of Khartoum, where he stressed that peace is contingent upon the RSF surrendering its arms. Burhan firmly stated that there will be no negotiations with the paramilitaries, asserting that the army will pursue them relentlessly until they are completely defeated.
Borhan’s address follows a triumphant return to the presidential palace, which had been held by the RSF since the conflict erupted nearly two years ago. Upon arriving, he knelt to kiss the ground and raised his fist in a gesture of victory. The military, having suffered significant losses over 18 months, initiated a vigorous counteroffensive in November to regain control over strategic locations in Khartoum, culminating in the reclamation of key government sites.
Despite the military’s advance, RSF leaders remain defiant, declaring they will not surrender. Following Burhan’s re-entry into the presidential palace, the RSF established a military alliance with a faction of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N), which has previously clashed with both factions. The SPLM-N recently signed a political charter with the RSF to form an opposing government.
Recent developments also suggested that the war’s intensity has escalated, as eyewitnesses reported drone strikes targeting significant infrastructure in Blue Nile state. Subsequent reports indicated that the Sudanese army successfully shot down RSF drones during these encounters. In a statement regarding their control, RSF claimed to have taken over a military base near Damazin, underscoring the ongoing tension and conflict.
The protracted war has had devastating consequences for Sudan, resulting in tens of thousands of deaths and the displacement of over 12 million people. The nation is now effectively partitioned, with the army retaining control over the northern and eastern regions, while the RSF governs most of Darfur and significant portions of the south.
In summary, Sudan’s military leadership remains firm in its resolve to eradicate the RSF, rejecting any possibility of negotiation or compromise until the paramilitary group lays down its arms. The ongoing conflict has caused extensive humanitarian crises and territorial divisions within Sudan, contributing to a dire situation for its citizens. The military’s recent advances highlight the intensity of the struggle for control amidst a backdrop of escalating violence and significant geopolitical implications.
Original Source: www.france24.com
