During a UN General Assembly address, General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan criticized regional players providing support to the paramilitary RSF, implicitly targeting the UAE. Amidst ongoing military offensives in Khartoum, the humanitarian situation worsens, with accusations of genocide and ethnic cleansing levied against the RSF. Burhan downplayed the starvation crisis in Sudan, while expressing no intent to negotiate with RSF leader Hemeti unless certain conditions are met, thereby complicating peace efforts.
General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, the leader of Sudan’s army, directed criticism towards unspecified regional actors, implicitly identifying the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as a supporter of the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) during his address at the United Nations General Assembly. His statements coincided with a renewed military campaign by the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) aimed at reclaiming control of Khartoum from the RSF, with whom they have been engaged in conflict since April of the previous year. General Burhan emphasized that the RSF has been bolstered by political and logistical backing from regional players, suggesting that such support is aimed at exploiting Sudan’s natural resources through coercive means, thereby extending the conflict. He expressed concern over the UAE’s involvement, highlighting that without this support, the ongoing war would have concluded by now. Additionally, Burhan revealed a recent dialogue with UAE’s ruler, Mohammed bin Zayed, who purportedly promised to reassess the UAE’s stance in relation to the conflict. However, specifics of their conversation were not disclosed. The general lamented the adverse impact of external support for the RSF, which he accused of employing mercenaries and funding from foreign states for their respective political gain. Historical precedents of the UAE’s connections to the RSF, including alleged instances of Emirati military presence on Sudanese soil, were referenced. Meanwhile, Sudan’s army has sought assistance from Russia and Iran in its struggle against the RSF. In a significant military maneuver, the SAF initiated a large-scale offensive against RSF positions within Khartoum, claiming to have captured key infrastructure but facing resistance. Amidst ongoing confrontations, a severe humanitarian crisis looms, particularly in North Darfur, where aid organizations have reported widespread famine conditions. Despite these claims, Burhan downplayed the humanitarian situation, referring to it merely as a “food gap”. He denounced the RSF for alleged acts of ethnic cleansing and genocide, especially against non-Arab groups, and branded the RSF as a terrorist entity. Burhan’s rhetoric included accusations against the Dagalo family, emphasizing their roles in exploiting resources under the guise of military operations. Prospective diplomatic resolutions appear bleak. Burhan articulated numerous preconditions for engaging in peace talks, particularly regarding the disarming of RSF leader, Hemeti. While leaders from the UAE and G7 nations expressed a desire for ceasefire dialogues, tensions remain high as Burhan reiterated steadfast opposition to reinstating any semblance of the prior governance that was deemed unacceptable by the Sudanese populace. The conflict has resulted in significant displacement, with millions affected and escalating health crises exacerbating the dire humanitarian landscape.
The protracted conflict in Sudan has been marked by the struggle between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces since April 2022. The RSF, arising from the Janjaweed militias, has engaged in violent confrontations, prompting international concerns over humanitarian crises, potential genocide, and regional security destabilization. The UAE’s involvement is seen as significant due to its historical support for the RSF, raising issues related to foreign influence in Sudan’s domestic affairs. General Burhan, serving as the army’s chief and leading the transitional military government, has mirrored concerns over foreign meddling and posited that such support perpetuates the ongoing violence. The backdrop of the 2019 revolution and subsequent military coups heavily informs the current political dynamics and power struggles within Sudan, heightening the urgency of diplomatic engagement.
General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan’s remarks at the UN underscore the multifaceted challenges facing Sudan, including the implications of foreign support for the RSF and the consequent humanitarian crises. As military offensives intensify, the prospect of a resolution to the conflict seems increasingly precarious, particularly given the entrenched positions of key actors and the severe humanitarian toll on the civilian population. The need for comprehensive, unconditional dialogue is paramount if lasting peace is to be achieved, and the international community’s role remains crucial in mediating these complex dynamics.
Original Source: www.middleeasteye.net
