Sudan’s Al-Burhan Pledges No Reversion to Pre-War Era

On March 9, 2024, in Port Sudan, Sudanese army chief Lt Gen Abdel Fattah al-Burhan delivered a concise Eid al-Fitr speech to the nation, announcing a definitive departure from the past. He emphasized that the era before the war, which included al-Bashir’s rule and the transitional government, has come to an end. Sudan is embarking on a new journey.

Al-Burhan highlighted that the current conflict, which commenced in April 2023, will be remembered as the “Battle of Dignity” and will lay the groundwork for a fresh start for Sudan. He conveyed a resolute message, declaring: “There is no going back. No reverting to the times before April 15, 2023, October 25, 2021, or April 2019.”

These statements can be seen as a rejection of various scenarios: a return to al-Bashir’s Islamist regime due to the involvement of Islamists in the war against the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), the reinstatement of the civilian transitional government pre-coup d’état, or the Political Framework Agreement aimed at integrating the RSF into the regular army (the root of the current conflict).

The military leadership has consistently opposed the idea of transferring power back to civilian authorities. Particularly, Al-Burhan has declined negotiations with the “Tagadum” coalition concerning ending the war and its consequences. He has reiterated multiple times that the RSF leadership will not be reintegrated into power, and only individual fighters may join the army after surrendering their weapons and entering designated cantonment areas.

Al-Burhan expressed confidence in the progress of the war, attributing it to the “unity between the army and the people.” He declared, “This is the moment – the battle of dignity, the battle for the homeland. A new chapter is unfolding.”

He praised the steadfast Sudanese citizens who have united with the Popular Resistance forces nationwide to “repel aggression and cleanse Sudan’s soil from mercenaries and hired guns.”

The General expressed resolute dedication, promising to “persist on the path of the martyrs” until “the final rebel and traitor is removed from Sudan, and every region tainted by rebellion is cleansed.” 2. He highlighted the continuous public backing for the military and commended the “martyrs of the Battle of Karama” who gave their lives for the country. Al-Burhan concluded by reiterating his dedication to the “march to protect the homeland.”

Following the capture of Omdurman, the Sudanese army is currently engaged in combat with the RSF in Khartoum Bahri and Al-Jazirah State. Military leaders are adamant about the complete expulsion of the RSF and perceive negotiations solely as a method to ensure their surrender.