Sudan’s army chief, General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, on Thursday ruled out any possibility of compromise with the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), vowing to continue the fight “whatever the cost” as the country’s war enters its third year.
Speaking at events marking the 100th anniversary of the Sudanese armed forces, Burhan reaffirmed his commitment to the “battle for dignity” to defeat what he called the rebellion. His comments came just days after a closed-door meeting in Switzerland with US Africa envoy Massad Boulos, during which, according to Sudanese government sources, a new US-backed peace proposal was discussed.
Mediation attempts led by Washington and Riyadh have so far failed to secure a ceasefire.
The RSF, led by General Mohamed Hamdan Daglo, has sought to establish a rival administration in western Sudan on territory under its control, a move the UN Security Council on Wednesday condemned as a “direct threat” to the country’s unity and territorial integrity.
The conflict, which erupted in April 2023, has killed tens of thousands, displaced an estimated 13 million people, and triggered what the UN describes as the world’s worst hunger and displacement crisis. The situation is further exacerbated by Sudan’s most severe cholera outbreak in years.
On Thursday, the European Union, joined by Britain, Canada, Japan and other partners, urged all parties to “urgently” allow international aid into Sudan. “Civilians must be protected, and humanitarian access must be granted,” the statement read.
Despite mounting international pressure, prospects for peace remain bleak as both sides entrench their positions.
Written By Rodney Mbua
