Sudan’s rival military factions, represented by Army leader Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan and Rapid Support Forces (RSF) leader Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, known as Hemedti, addressed the United Nations on Thursday. While Al-Burhan called for the international community to designate the RSF as a terrorist organization and counter its sponsors, Hemedti expressed his forces’ readiness for a ceasefire and comprehensive political talks. The ongoing conflict in Sudan has displaced over 5 million people and poses a threat to regional stability.
The Conflict and International Efforts
The war in Sudan erupted in mid-April, starting in Khartoum and spreading to other parts of the country, including Darfur. Both sides blame each other for initiating the conflict. Efforts by Saudi Arabia and the United States to secure a lasting ceasefire have stalled due to parallel international initiatives in Africa and the Middle East.
Al-Burhan’s Warning and Hemedti’s Commitment
In his address at the United Nations, Al-Burhan warned that the war in Sudan could spill over into neighboring countries if not addressed promptly. He highlighted the RSF’s ties with Wagner, a Russian mercenary group facing Western sanctions over alleged abuses in Africa. Al-Burhan emphasized the danger posed by rebel groups seeking support from outlaws and terrorist organizations in the region and the world.
On the other hand, Hemedti, in a video message, expressed his forces’ commitment to a ceasefire and comprehensive political talks. He stated that the RSF is fully prepared to allow the passage of humanitarian aid and engage in serious discussions to end the conflict. Hemedti’s recent communications have mostly been audio messages, and his whereabouts have been a subject of speculation.
The Devastating Impact of the Conflict
The fighting in Sudan has resulted in the death of at least 7,500 people and displaced over 5 million people, dealing a severe blow to efforts to bring democracy to the country. The collapse of a plan to integrate the army and the RSF triggered the outbreak of war on April 15. The international community has expressed concerns about the human rights abuses committed during the conflict.
Calls for Accountability and Punishment
Al-Burhan urged world powers to designate the RSF as a terrorist group, citing their involvement in various crimes, including killing, burning, rape, forced displacement, looting, torture, arms and drug trafficking, and recruitment of child soldiers. The United States has already imposed sanctions on RSF leaders, including senior commander Abdelrahim Hamdan Daglo, for alleged abuses.
However, while criticizing the RSF, Western powers have also been critical of Al-Burhan. In 2021, Al-Burhan sidelined the civilian leadership that was part of a transitional power-sharing deal following mass protests that led to the ousting of longtime dictator Omar Al-Bashir. Al-Burhan reiterated his commitment to transfer power to the people of Sudan and emphasized that the armed forces would permanently withdraw from politics.
Conclusion
The addresses by Sudan’s rival military factions at the United Nations highlight the urgent need for a ceasefire and comprehensive political talks to end the devastating conflict in Sudan. While Al-Burhan called for international support in countering the RSF and its sponsors, Hemedti expressed his forces’ readiness for peace. The international community must work together to address the humanitarian crisis and prevent further destabilization in the region.