More than 30,000 people fled to Chad, South Sudan, Ethiopia and Central Africa, according to United Nations estimates, which warned that the number of fleeing could reach 270,000 if the fighting continues.
The “war of the two generals”, yesterday’s allies, and the rivals today, entered its third week in Sudan, and clashes continue between the army led by Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and the Rapid Support Forces led by Muhammad Hamdan Dagalo (Hemedti), in light of a fragile ceasefire and without any signs of a near solution.
In parallel with the continuation of the fighting, the evacuations of foreign nationals are accelerating, the most recent of which was the announcement by the Russian Ministry of Defense today that four military aircraft were sent to help its nationals leave this country located in northeastern Africa, including diplomats, military personnel and other citizens from Russia and from “friendly countries” and republics. ex-Soviet.
Since the first day of the outbreak of the fighting, in mid-April, international calls have been made calling on the two parties to the conflict, who are engaged in a merciless war on power, to cease fire and end the bloody conflict that has resulted in the deaths of no less than 528 people and more than four thousand wounded, according to the report. the United Nations, and the need to return to the negotiating table.
Despite efforts to reduce tension, end the current scene, and mediation initiatives seeking to end the political impasse, the two military leaders refuse to hold direct talks.
After the decline in the fortunes of the IGAD initiative (the Intergovernmental Authority on Development for East African countries) and the loss of Israel’s opportunity to host talks to stop the fighting between the Sudanese generals, it seems that the American-Saudi initiative is the most likely.
This initiative, which includes all political forces and is not limited to the two generals, provides for extending the armistice, opening humanitarian corridors, facilitating the exit of citizens and residents, enabling them to fulfill their needs and reach safe areas, followed by an agreement on a cease-fire, and then moving to the stage of direct sitting for negotiation in the city. Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Youssef Ezzat
In front of this tragic reality that affected 12 states out of 18 in the country and the expansion of the confrontation, which caused the displacement of tens of thousands of people to neighboring countries, Euronews had a special conversation with Youssef Ezzat, the political advisor to the commander of the Rapid Support Forces, to learn about the latest developments.
Where is Sudan? And why today?
“This is the correct definition of what is happening now in Khartoum.”
When asked why today, and at this particular time, this fierce war broke out between the two generals, Youssef Ezzat explained that “the war going on today is not between the two generals as it is portrayed, and it is not between the Rapid Support Forces and the army as is rumored, but rather it is a war planned by Islamic elements within the army.” He said, “The army was changed during the 30 years of the Islamic Movement’s rule in Sudan, and the movement succeeded in implanting its elements within the army until it reached the leadership ranks (in the army).”
He explained that “there was a political process for the transition to civilian rule and the military institution’s exit from politics.. One of the conditions for security reform was purifying the ranks of the army from ideological Islamist elements.. The army commander and the commander of the Rapid Support signed this, and it was agreed to reach a single, non-professional army. My party, Rapid Support, and all the many armies in Sudan left by the previous regime are integrated into it.
Ezzat told Euronews, “On the last day of the security reform workshop, all army representatives were withdrawn from the workshop, prevarication began, and preparations began to pounce on the entire political process, even though this process was under the auspices of the United Nations and the African Union.. The position of the RSF was clear.” For the army to be purified and a democratic civilian government to be established, leading the transitional phase to elections.
And he added, “The Secretary-General of the Islamic Movement, Ali Karti, stated that they will not wait any longer, and that was an order for the army to pounce on the political process, strike and liquidate the Rapid Support Forces, pounce on the civil forces, and return the former regime to power,” ending his words with, “This is the proper definition of what is going on.” Now in Khartoum, we are still resisting and the Sudanese people are resisting.”
The whole of Sudan turned into a battlefield? After the battles moved to Darfur
“They tried to widen the circle of battle, but they won’t win.”
Regarding the transfer of battles from Khartoum to Darfur and the expansion of the fighting area, after the United Nations reported that civilians are participating today in violence between rival tribes in the state of West Darfur, and hundreds were killed, we asked the political advisor if they feared that all of Sudan would turn into a war arena if the situation deteriorated further. To answer, “Until now, the battle between us (the Rapid Support Forces and the army) is limited, and this is a plan that we failed.”
And he announced that “the war’s transition to the states began from the first day, when the first bullet was fired in Khartoum and the armed forces attacked our sites (the sites of the Rapid Support Forces) in all states. Announcing any truce, and that Hemedti’s forces adhered to this truce and the promises it made, and calm still prevails in these states.
He pointed out that “the defunct regime and its elements are trying to stir up conflicts in Darfur…there is arming of certain tribes, but we are trying through coordination to contain any tribal conflict,” stressing that “this battle is open, they tried to expand its circle, but they will not win any battle.”
What does Hamidti want?
“There is no personal ambition for Muhammad Hamdan”
When asked, “What does Hamidti want?”, the advisor replied, “He has no personal goal. He did not declare war in the first place, nor did he expect this gang to wage war against him. What he wants is what the Sudanese people want. He had expressed a firm commitment.” In more than one location and since the signing of the framework agreement, he affirmed that he is with the people, with the choice of the people, with democratic transformation, the state of law, the state of justice and equality, and the participation of all Sudanese in decision-making in the state. during this war.”
Port Sudan base and its relationship to the war?
“There is no conflict between Russia and America over the land of Sudan”
And about the base that Sudan allowed Russia to establish in Port Sudan and the warnings of America, and if it has anything to do with what is happening in the country, Ezzat said, “I do not think so, until this moment there is no Russian military base in Port Sudan, and the whole thing is just a proposal, no party can agree on it.” Establishing or establishing any military base without the approval of parliament, and since 2019 there has been no parliament in Sudan that authorizes the establishment of military bases.. Sudan is completely devoid of any military bases, or any foreign armies, and this is known.
He stressed, “There is no conflict between Russia and America over the land of Sudan and military influence for any of them. We are always working to spare our country any international conflicts. The former regime is the one that brought Sudan into alliances and hostilities that led to banning Sudan or issuing decisions and sanctions against it … after the revolution.” The government was able to deal with many issues and opened up to the whole world. Sudan has no enmity with one country or an alliance with one axis against another.
Ezzat stressed that the talk about the existence of Western and regional countries, including Arab ones, that want to fuel differences between the two generals are mere allegations, and that no country has an interest in the instability of Sudan.
Israeli mediation?
“We are not surprised that Israel presents itself to solve the problem.”
Regarding Israel’s initiative to end the conflict in Sudan, the Sudanese advisor explained that “Israel wants to play a role in the region through which it can improve its image. It appears as a state of war and terrorism. What Israel proposes is its right, and no one can decide how it wants to do so.” introduce itself.”
The role of the Arab League?
Regarding the role of the Arab League, Ezzat stressed that “until now, I do not see any role or position from the Arab League regarding this crisis, and I did not receive any position, vision or proposal from the Arab League.”
The way out for Sudan’s return to before the outbreak of confrontations?
“The trial of those who declared war and supported it”
Regarding the way out to return Sudan to before mid-April, Ezzat said, “I believe that this group was defeated and its dreams of returning to power were shattered… There is no longer any possibility for them to return again after the defeats they received.” He added, “They are now running media campaigns and talking For imaginary victories that do not exist on the ground, we seek to stop the war according to conditions that come in favor of the Sudanese people, and one of these conditions is the return of the democratic transition path, the exclusion of those from any political process, and the trial of those who declared and supported the war.
The United Nations said that about 75,000 people were internally displaced during the first week of fighting, mainly in the states of Khartoum, Northern, Blue Nile, North Kordofan, North, West and South Darfur.
More than 30,000 people fled to Chad, South Sudan, Ethiopia and Central Africa, according to United Nations estimates, which warned that the number of fleeing could reach 270,000 if the fighting continues.
