The leader of Sudan’s armed forces tells Al Jazeera truce talks with Rapid Support Forces chief are impossible and wants the group named a ‘terrorist’ organization. The length of this war is nearing 6 months and broke out in mid april as truce talks are getting nowhere as neither side is accusing the other of war violations. The fear now is that this conflict will spread across the region which could lead to much more violence and more casualties that Sudan doesn’t feel is necessary. When asked about this problem Al-Burhan said this “The majority of [RSF] fighters come from neighboring countries. Yes, most certainly. This may spill into other countries and may threaten security and safety in the region and in the world”. He was also asked if a negotiation or ceasefire was still possible and Al-Burhan kept the same stance that it wasn’t possible and when he thought they came to an understanding RSF leader Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo did not commit to the understanding.
The Sudanese people had a prior revolution in 2019 that Al-Burhan described as “They have dreams, they have aspirations. They want to enjoy freedom, peace and security.The Sudanese people deserve to have their revolution restored and enjoy peace, security and prosperity.” He also stated that he feels like this revolution was not sparked under the same ideas and values as the last one was and was done with ill intent. He was asked about whether he would decide to bring international countries in to help aid and he said “There is a call to expand the Jeddah forum. We do not oppose that, and South Africa may be a part of that forum”. They are considering South Africa to join up and help them in the fight against the revolution that means that the conflict within Sudan is getting serious and they are desperate for conflict to stop as soon as possible.
This relates to what we have been talking about it class because it involves not only the US with them having a decision whether it’s in their best interest to get involved or not. This conflict also involves the neighboring countries of Sudan and if they decide if they want to side with the Sudanese government or want them to be overthrown and side with the rebels.
Link to article: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/9/23/qa-sudans-army-chief-believes-sudanese-revolution-can-be-restored