Military Leader Burhan Visits East Sudan In First Tour Outside Of Capital Since Conflict Erupted

CAIRO, Egypt – Sudan’s army chief, Burhan, delivered a rare public statement Monday, his first outside of the capital since a confrontation with a rival general erupted in mid-April.

Sudan was thrown into disarray on April 15 when months of tensions between the military, led by Gen. Abdel Fattah Burhan, and the Rapid Support Forces, led by Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, erupted into open battle.

Burhan stated in the eastern coastal city of Port Sudan that a military operation involving marine and air forces allowed him to safely escape the capital’s army headquarters. According to him, two persons were murdered during the operation.

The conflict has turned the capital into an urban battlefield, with the RSF dominating large parts. The military headquarters, where Burhan is said to have been stationed since April, has been one of the conflict’s epicenters, encircled by RSF soldiers.

Burhan stated that no arrangement had been struck “with the traitors or any party outside of the Sudanese people” to allow him to leave the capital.

Sudan’s army chief, Burhan, delivered a rare public statement Monday, his first outside of the capital since a confrontation with a rival general erupted in mid-April.

According to Liz Throssell, a spokesperson for the United Nations Human Rights Office, the violence in northeast Africa has killed at least 4,000 people. On the ground, activists and doctors say the death toll is likely much higher.

Dagalo announced a new plan late Sunday that might relaunch peace talks between the two armies.

“Sudan Reborn,” a 10-point plan, advocates for a long-term cease-fire, democratic elections, and a unified army.

Formal peace talks mediated by the US and Saudi Arabia were conducted in the Saudi seaside town of Jeddah in May and June. However, talks were formally suspended in late June, with both mediators openly criticizing the RSF and the army for repeatedly violating agreed-upon truces.

Since the fighting began in April, there have been at least nine cease-fires, all failing.

SOURCE – (AP)