Published On September 27, 2024 In Benue, Nigeria
By Inyima Nicholas Sunday, A Writer
The ongoing conflict in Sudan has reached a critical turning point as General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, the country’s army chief, has issued a firm ultimatum to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), stating that their withdrawal is a non-negotiable condition for any peace talks to progress. In a recent address, General Burhan stressed that the RSF’s presence and actions in various regions across Sudan remain a major obstacle to stabilizing the nation, which has been plagued by civil unrest, tribal conflicts, and competing military factions for over a year.
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The statement came amidst international pressure to cease hostilities and initiate dialogue between the Sudanese government and the paramilitary group. As the Sudanese crisis continues to exacerbate, the international community is watching closely, hoping that a peaceful resolution can be reached to bring stability to a region that has witnessed relentless violence and a deteriorating humanitarian situation.
Background on Sudan’s Conflict
Sudan has been embroiled in an internal conflict that stems from long-standing political and military struggles within the country. The conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), led by General Burhan, and the paramilitary RSF, commanded by General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, commonly known as “Hemedti,” escalated following the coup of October 2021. The RSF, originally created as an auxiliary force to assist the Sudanese military in various regional conflicts, has since expanded its influence, challenging the authority of the SAF.
The relationship between the two groups has grown increasingly strained, especially after the fall of Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir in 2019. Although the transitional government that followed was intended to create a path toward democracy, tensions between military and paramilitary factions prevented any meaningful progress. The conflict reached a boiling point when negotiations over power-sharing arrangements broke down, culminating in widespread violence.
Since then, the RSF has seized control of several key areas in Sudan, including parts of the capital, Khartoum, and the Darfur region. This has led to growing instability in the country, with millions of civilians displaced, a crumbling economy, and a severe humanitarian crisis. General Burhan’s latest statement underscores the urgency of resolving this situation and reflects the army’s unwillingness to engage in peace negotiations until the RSF stands down.
The Army Chief’s Stance
In his address, General Burhan made it unequivocally clear that the SAF would not participate in peace talks as long as the RSF continues to exert control over Sudanese territory. According to Burhan, the RSF’s activities have “caused irreparable harm to the fabric of Sudanese society” and must cease for peace to be restored. He went on to accuse the RSF of various human rights violations, including the targeting of civilians, pillaging of villages, and involvement in the illicit arms trade.
“The presence of the RSF is the greatest impediment to peace in Sudan,” Burhan stated. “Their withdrawal is the only way forward if we are to secure a future for this nation.”
Burhan’s declaration comes at a time when international mediators, including the African Union (AU) and the United Nations (UN), have been pushing for a ceasefire. However, the army’s leadership remains adamant that there will be no ceasefire without significant concessions from the RSF. The RSF, on the other hand, has shown little indication that it is willing to relinquish control, making a peaceful resolution appear increasingly distant.
The Role of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF)
The RSF, which originated as the Janjaweed militias during the Darfur conflict in the early 2000s, was formally established as a paramilitary group by al-Bashir’s regime to combat insurgencies in Darfur and other parts of Sudan. While the RSF was instrumental in suppressing rebellions, their reputation has been marred by accusations of human rights abuses, including mass killings, sexual violence, and looting.
Under the leadership of General Hemedti, the RSF has expanded its reach beyond Darfur, becoming a powerful entity within Sudan’s military and political landscape. The group played a pivotal role in the 2019 coup that ousted President al-Bashir, positioning itself as a key stakeholder in Sudan’s transitional government. However, the RSF’s increasing autonomy and influence have fueled conflict with the SAF, particularly over control of Sudan’s lucrative resources, including gold mines in Darfur.
Hemedti’s RSF has also established significant alliances, both regionally and internationally. It has provided mercenaries to conflicts in Yemen and Libya, while simultaneously maintaining strong ties with the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia. These relationships have bolstered the RSF’s financial resources, making it a formidable adversary to Sudan’s army. Despite this, the group’s involvement in atrocities during the Darfur genocide and recent clashes has left its leadership widely discredited within Sudan and the global community.
The Humanitarian Crisis
The conflict between the SAF and the RSF has had a devastating impact on Sudan’s civilian population. According to the UN, over 5 million people have been displaced since fighting intensified in 2023. Many have sought refuge in neighboring countries such as Chad, South Sudan, and Egypt, exacerbating existing refugee crises in these nations. Internally displaced persons (IDPs) face dire conditions, with limited access to food, water, medical care, and shelter.
The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reports that Sudan is on the brink of a full-scale humanitarian disaster, with over 60% of the population in urgent need of aid. The situation is particularly grave in conflict zones such as Darfur, where ongoing violence has disrupted humanitarian operations. In addition, the country’s healthcare system has collapsed, and outbreaks of diseases like cholera and malaria are spreading rapidly.
Human rights organizations have called on both sides to respect international humanitarian law, but reports of indiscriminate attacks on civilians, sexual violence, and the destruction of property continue to surface. The RSF has been implicated in many of these violations, though both the RSF and SAF have been accused of exacerbating the conflict for political gain.
International Response
The international community has responded with growing concern over the situation in Sudan. Various organizations and nations have called for an immediate cessation of hostilities and a return to peace talks. The United Nations, African Union, and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) have all engaged in diplomatic efforts to mediate between the warring factions, but these attempts have largely been unsuccessful due to the entrenched positions of both the SAF and RSF.
The United States, the European Union, and other international actors have imposed targeted sanctions on individuals and entities linked to the violence in Sudan. However, these measures have done little to alter the course of the conflict. Some critics argue that the lack of a unified international strategy has emboldened both sides to continue their campaigns, with little regard for the suffering of Sudanese civilians.
Regional actors have also been involved in efforts to broker peace. Egypt, which shares a long border with Sudan, has played a prominent role in urging a peaceful settlement. Cairo has maintained close ties with Sudan’s military leadership and has expressed concerns about the potential for the conflict to spill over into its own territory. Similarly, Ethiopia and South Sudan have been involved in diplomatic efforts, given their historical connections with Sudan.
Despite these efforts, the RSF remains entrenched in its positions, while the SAF has shown no signs of backing down from its demands. This impasse has led to fears that the conflict could drag on for years, with devastating consequences for the region.
Prospects for Peace
The path to peace in Sudan is fraught with challenges. General Burhan’s insistence on the RSF’s withdrawal as a precondition for peace talks leaves little room for negotiation, particularly given the RSF’s unwillingness to concede its territorial gains. Moreover, the deep-rooted mistrust between the two factions complicates any efforts at reconciliation.
Several experts have suggested that a power-sharing agreement, similar to the one proposed following the 2019 coup, could offer a potential solution. However, given the failure of past agreements and the escalating violence, such an arrangement seems increasingly unlikely.
There are also concerns that regional powers, particularly Egypt and the Gulf states, may use the conflict to pursue their own strategic interests in Sudan, further complicating the peace process. The involvement of these external actors, along with the continued flow of arms into the country, raises the specter of a prolonged conflict that could destabilize the entire Horn of Africa.
At the same time, many Sudanese civilians are calling for an end to the bloodshed. Protests demanding peace have erupted in several cities, and civil society organizations have been vocal in their opposition to the ongoing fighting. However, their voices have been largely drowned out by the sounds of gunfire, and their calls for peace have yet to translate into concrete action by either the SAF or RSF.
Conclusion
Sudan’s conflict shows no signs of abating, and General Burhan’s recent demand for the RSF’s withdrawal highlights the entrenched positions of both sides. With millions of civilians caught in the crossfire and the country’s economy in freefall, the need for a resolution has never been more urgent. While the international community continues to push for peace talks, the question remains whether the SAF and RSF can come to terms before the conflict spirals further out of control.
The longer the violence continues, the more difficult it will be to rebuild the shattered nation. General Burhan’s insistence on the RSF’s withdrawal may be a necessary step toward restoring peace, but without compromise from both sides, Sudan’s future remains bleak.
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