The Commander-in-Chief of the Sudanese Army and Chairman of the Sovereign Council, Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, has responded to statements by his rival in the conflict that he is ready to establish a long-term ceasefire, stressing that the country's army doesn't "strike deals with traitors."
Speaking to military personnel at the Flamingo Naval Base in the coastal city of Port Sudan, the capital of Red Sea State, he reiterated that speculations about an agreement with the RSF were illusory and denied any cooperation with "traitorous" elements.
"Anyone who says there is an agreement or a deal [with RSF] or someone is helping, is delusional. We don't strike deals with traitors or any party that betrayed the Sudanese people, and will not cooperate with any side that betrayed the Sudanese people," he said.
Al-Burhan clarified the circumstances of his departure from the general command headquarters on August 24, stressing that it was carried out without the involvement of any agreement or external help.
Earlier, the leader of the paramilitary group RSF, Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, signaled his readiness for a negotiated settlement that would set the country on the path to full civilian rule.
For his part, Army Chief al-Burhan reiterated his confidence in the imminent victory of the armed forces in the ongoing conflict with the RSF. He emphasized the great sacrifices made by the Sudanese people in their support for the army, noting that all army units throughout Sudan are resolutely united in their goal of "defeating the rebels."
"We did not start this war and never sought it. They [RSF] started the war. Therefore, they will be defeated and will pay a price for it [...]," he said, adding: "Our entire focus now centers on conquering the insurgency, thwarting acts of treachery, and countering mercenaries originating from various corners of the globe, and emerging from this ordeal even more robust."
The conflict between the RSF and the Sudanese Armed Forces began on April 15. Since then, a number of temporary nationwide ceasefires have been declared by the belligerents, but none of them have contributed to the resolution of the conflict.
In May, the warring parties began peace talks in the Saudi Arabian city of Jeddah. During the negotiations, they pledged to refrain from attacks and allow the unhindered movement of humanitarian aid throughout the country, but since then they have repeatedly accused each other of violating the agreements. In late July, the parties broke off negotiations.
According to the Sudanese government, it is ready to return to peace negotiations with the RSF if the latter fulfills its obligations under the Jeddah deal to evacuate civilian and public facilities, hospitals and civilian homes used by the paramilitary group as barracks.