Al-Burhan reiterates conditions for peace talks with RSF

PORT SUDAN – Sudanese army chief General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan on Tuesday reiterated conditions for peace talks with the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), including the paramilitary group’s withdrawal from occupied areas.

Burhan, who also heads the Transitional Sovereign Council, made the remarks in a televised speech marking the SAF’s 70th anniversary. He accused the RSF of atrocities and vowed the army would not cease fighting until the group was ousted.

“We will not compromise on our people’s legitimate rights to restore security and stability and eliminate this treacherous aggression, no matter the sacrifice. We will work tirelessly to celebrate the upcoming armed forces holiday with our country purified of the Daglo militia and their supporters,” Al-Burhan said.

“There is no peace while the rebel militia occupies our homes, cities, and villages, besieges them, and cuts off roads to significant parts of our beloved country. There is no cessation of hostilities without the complete withdrawal of the militia from plundered and colonized cities and villages,” he added.

Burhan also referenced the May 2023 Jeddah Agreement, emphasizing its implementation as the only path to ending the conflict. He vowed that Sudan would celebrate its next armed forces anniversary free from RSF control.

“The path to peace or stopping the war is clear: implement the Jeddah Agreement,” he said, referring to the accord that stipulated RSF withdrawal from civilian areas. “We will work tirelessly to celebrate the upcoming holiday of your armed forces with our country purified from the filth of the Daglo militia and their supporters.”

The SAF-led government has rejected U.S.-brokered ceasefire talks set to begin in Switzerland on Tuesday, citing the United Arab Emirates’ involvement and Washington’s alleged refusal to recognize Burhan as head of state.

Port Sudan accuses the UAE of backing the RSF, which has accepted an invitation to participate in U.S.-facilitated regional talks. The U.S. has confirmed the RSF’s attendance alongside representatives from neighboring countries, including Egypt.

The SAF-RSF conflict has caused widespread civilian suffering, with thousands killed and millions displaced. Regional bodies such as IGAD have failed to broker a ceasefire due to the parties’ unwillingness to end the conflict.