Sudan's Sovereignty Council chief and army commander, Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, vowed on Thursday evening to hold accountable all those who showed negligence in the recent events in Wad Madani, the capital of the central state of Al Jazirah.
During a speech addressed to army officers in Port Sudan in the east of the country, al-Burhan's statements were published in a Sovereignty Council statement.
The Rapid Support Forces, led by Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, also known as Hemeti, took control of Wad Madani on December 18, after four days of fighting against a military force.
The following day, the military announced their withdrawal from the city and that an investigation was underway into the reasons and circumstances that led to the forces withdrawing from their positions.
Al-Burhan reaffirmed that the armed forces will remain cohesive and strong, acting as the safeguard of Sudanese security. He underscored the army, security services, and the police's diligence in eliminating the "rebel Rapid Support Militia." He stated, "All those who are negligent will be held accountable without favor."
"With the determination and persistence of the Sudanese armed forces and people, we will fight to repel and defeat the rebel militia and its political affiliates, aiming to rule the country over the corpses of the Sudanese people," he addressed the opposing parties, saying, "You will not govern Sudan except through elections."
He maintained that anyone who cooperated with the Rapid Support Forces will pay the price for their cooperation.
The Battle Continues
Al-Burhan called for ignoring rumor spreaders who aim to cast doubt on the armed forces and instill terror and fear in the hearts of citizens.
He stated that the army would fight to the last soldier to ensure safety and stability in Sudan and that the armed forces will stand firm.
Meanwhile, he stressed continuing the negotiation process, adding, "We will not sign a peace agreement that humiliates the armed forces and the people of Sudan. A ceasefire is required, along with the rebels' exit from public facilities, hospitals, and citizens' homes."
Human Losses
Since mid-April, Sudan has been witnessing bloody battles between Burhan-led army forces and the Hemeti-led Rapid Support Forces.
The conflict in Sudan has resulted in more than 12,000 deaths and over 6 million displaced people and refugees, according to the United Nations.
Fighting and clashes are taking place in nine states, including the capital Khartoum, Al Jazirah, and the states of Kordofan and Darfur.
Major escalation in fighting in Sudan…
The Rapid Support Forces' takeover of Wad Madani city leads to the displacement of a quarter-million people in recent days, and the weaponizing of sexual violence threatens Sudanese women amid escalating health crises.
What are the latest developments in Sudan?
— AJ+ Arabic (@ajplusarabi) December 21, 2023
