Sudan’s Al-Burhan Rejects Talks, Vows to Retake All RSF-Held Territory

Sudan’s military chief, General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, has rejected negotiations to end the country’s ongoing war, vowing that the army will continue its military campaign until the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) are removed from Sudan.

Al-Burhan made the statement on Tuesday while addressing a gathering in Village 5 in the northern locality of Merowe, according to Sudan’s state news agency.

He pledged to reclaim “every inch” of territory controlled by the RSF, saying the military option would remain in place until the paramilitary group was defeated.

The Sudanese Armed Forces and the RSF have been fighting since April 2023, following a dispute between their leaders over plans to integrate the paramilitary force into the regular army. The conflict has killed tens of thousands of people and displaced about 13 million, according to United Nations and international estimates.

Al-Burhan’s latest declaration came as fighting intensified in several parts of the country. At least 10 civilians were reportedly killed and several others wounded in an RSF attack in West Kordofan State, according to a local emergency committee.

The Dar Hamar Emergency Committee accused the RSF of committing several violations against civilians in Abu Ajal village, in the southeastern outskirts of En Nahud.

The RSF has been building up its forces in West Kordofan as the Sudanese army advances towards En Nahud and Al Khuway following recent gains in neighbouring North Kordofan.

Meanwhile, more than 5,500 people were displaced from villages in Sudan’s Blue Nile State over three days due to worsening security conditions, the International Organization for Migration said.

Despite the military leadership’s rejection of negotiations, a senior adviser to US President Donald Trump called for Sudanese parties to take the lead in efforts to end the conflict.

Massad Boulos, the US senior adviser for Arab and African affairs, said an end to the war could be achieved through an inclusive, Sudanese-led national dialogue and a transition towards civilian government.

The US State Department said last month that neither the Sudanese Armed Forces nor the RSF, nor their respective leaders, represent legitimate constitutional governance for Sudan.

• Tweet
• Share
• Share
• Share
• Share