Sudan’s army chief, General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, criticized the UAE for allegedly supporting the paramilitary RSF, asserting this external interference has prolonged the conflict. As the Sudanese military intensifies its offensive for Khartoum, Burhan emphasized concerns over regional players exploiting Sudan’s resources for their gain. With escalating humanitarian crises and preconditions for peace, the prospect of resolution remains uncertain.
In a pointed address at the UN General Assembly, Sudan’s army chief, General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, criticized unnamed “regional and political players” for their support of the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), suggesting a tacit reference to the United Arab Emirates (UAE). General Burhan highlighted the adverse effect this backing has on the ongoing conflict against the RSF, which has been adversarial to the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) since April 2022. He asserted that such external interference, particularly from states aiming to exploit Sudan’s resources through “the use of force and, specifically, money,” has prolonged the conflict. This statement aligns with previous reports on the UAE’s involvement with the RSF, led by Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, also known as Hemeti. During the address, Burhan noted that the Sudanese military’s recent offensive aimed at reclaiming territory in Khartoum coincides with these broader geopolitical tensions, declaring that outside support is critical to the RSF’s resilience. He commented that the support the RSF receives not only undermines Sudan’s military efforts but perpetuates a grim humanitarian crisis, marked by allegations of atrocities committed against civilians. At a subsequent press conference, Burhan mentioned a conversation with UAE ruler Mohammed bin Zayed concerning the need for policy reassessment, although he offered limited details regarding that exchange. In a tone of defiance, he remarked on the unfortunate reality of the RSF’s backing by certain regional players who provide funding and mercenaries, thereby seeking their own interests. The conflict has escalated dramatically, with accusations of ethnic cleansing and unexplored humanitarian issues haunting the situation in various regions, specifically Darfur. Burhan maintained that the failure of the international community to address these violations is lamentable, stressing that the RSF should be considered a terrorist entity given their alleged involvement in crimes against humanity. Amidst these challenges, he acknowledged the support sought from other countries, such as Russia and Iran, as the military pursues a strategy to regain control over crucial territories, including Khartoum, which continues to face direct combat and infrastructure attacks. As he addressed the potential for peace and stability in Sudan, Burhan laid out numerous preconditions before considering negotiations with the RSF, asserting he will engage in talks only if the paramilitary group withdraws its forces. Despite the high stakes surrounding these meetings at the UN, hope for meaningful diplomatic progress appears dim. The ongoing conflict has already displaced over ten million people and is compounded by severe humanitarian challenges that require immediate attention.
The ongoing strife in Sudan, which erupted into armed conflict in April 2022, stems from a power struggle primarily between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces, a paramilitary group with historical ties to the Janjaweed militias implicated in the Darfur genocide. Tensions have been exacerbated by foreign involvement, notably by the UAE, which has allegedly provided support to the RSF. The conflict has led to unprecedented humanitarian crises within the country, including mass displacements and accusations of human rights abuses. As the international community watches anxiously, calls for stabilization and peace have been met with entrenched positions from the Sudanese military leadership, complicating diplomatic efforts.
In summation, General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan’s remarks at the UN highlight the complex interplay of regional politics influencing the prolonged conflict in Sudan. His criticism of the UAE, paired with accusations of supporting the RSF, underscores the influence of foreign powers in local conflicts and raises serious concerns about the humanitarian implications of such interventions. The Sudanese military’s determination to reclaim territories amidst these challenges, coupled with their demand for preconditions to engage with the RSF, suggests that the path to peace is fraught with obstacles and may remain elusive without significant changes in both local and international strategies.
Original Source: www.middleeasteye.net
