The Sudanese army has vowed to continue its offensive against the RSF despite international peace efforts. Lt Gen Ibrahim Gabir stated the army’s commitment to reclaim Khartoum while attributing the worsening humanitarian situation to the RSF. Diplomatic efforts have failed to yield significant results, as the conflict deepens with allegations of external military support complicating matters.
In a recent statement, Assistant Commander-in-Chief Lt Gen Ibrahim Gabir of the Sudanese army affirmed that the military will continue its offensive against the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) regardless of ongoing international peace negotiations. He expressed confidence in the army’s ability to regain control of Khartoum, highlighting the dire humanitarian situation in the country, where millions face hunger and displacement due to the conflict that began in April 2022.
Gen Gabir emphasized the necessity for the RSF to withdraw from occupied territories for any peaceful resolution to be possible. He reiterated the army’s stance that the international community should compel the RSF to cease fighting, absolving the army of accusations regarding slower humanitarian aid processes. He pointed out that the RSF had been responsible for looting aid supplies and obstructing humanitarian access to besieged areas.
The ongoing conflict has heightened diplomatic efforts for a ceasefire, though recent attempts have produced minimal success, according to U.S. Sudan Envoy Tom Perriello. Despite some improvements in humanitarian access, he noted that the scale of aid delivery remains insufficient, as the army had previously restricted humanitarian shipments through key border crossings controlled by the RSF.
Gen Gabir categorically denied claims of famine within Sudan and suggested that the RSF is to blame for the worsening hunger crisis. While a UN report determined that famine conditions exist in specific regions, Sudanese authorities have refrained from officially declaring famine, avoiding potential international intervention.
The general also discussed external weapon supplies, stating possible transactions with Iran and remarked on the advanced military support the RSF allegedly receives from the United Arab Emirates. He indicated that the RSF’s militia status, complemented by advanced arms, could shift the conflict’s landscape despite the army’s determination to triumph in the war.
In a recent UN report, allegations of war crimes against the army were raised, which Gen Gabir dismissed as the actions of individuals rather than a systemic issue. He did not venture an estimate regarding the war’s duration but noted historical precedents of extended conflicts in Sudan. Expectations remain that the army will ultimately succeed, with Gen Gabir asserting, “Sudan will conquer, and Sudan will be rebuilt.”
The civil war in Sudan, which erupted in April 2022, has resulted in a humanitarian crisis marked by widespread displacement and food insecurity. Tensions between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary RSF have escalated significantly, leading to fierce battles for control of key regions, including the capital, Khartoum. Amidst international calls for peace, the Sudanese military leadership continues to assert its commitment to military action, complicating diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict and alleviate the humanitarian situation for those affected.
In summary, the Sudanese army remains resolute in pursuing military objectives despite ongoing international efforts for a ceasefire. The humanitarian crisis continues to escalate, and the RSF’s influence complicates the conflict dynamics. While diplomatic channels remain open, significant challenges persist in addressing the urgent needs of the Sudanese population and achieving a comprehensive peace agreement. Gen Gabir’s confidence in military victory signals a challenging path ahead for peace in Sudan.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
