Burhan says Sudan army open to ‘genuine’ peace but vows to defeat RSF

PORT SUDAN — Sudan’s Sovereignty Council Chairman Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan said the army remains determined to defeat the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), while stressing that it remains open to “genuine” initiatives aimed at ending the conflict.In an address marking the 72nd anniversary of the Sudanese Armed Forces, Al-Burhan said the army’s determination to fight and defeat the RSF “does not mean turning a blind eye to any genuine initiative for peace,” according to the state news agency SUNA.“Our efforts toward this have not stopped since the first months of the rebellion, but we will not accept an incomplete peace or a peace that returns the criminals and killers, the Dagalo militia and its supporters, to power or participation in it,” he said, referring to RSF leader Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo.Al-Burhan said the army’s conditions for peace have remained clear since May 2023, beginning with the RSF laying down its weapons and gathering in designated areas.He said civilians must also be allowed to return to their homes and normal life restored, including basic services, security and protection.“After that, the situation of fighters who are not criminals can be considered,” he added.On the political track, Al-Burhan said he had begun dialogue with national and sectoral groups that supported the Sudanese state, its unity and institutions, with the aim of involving them in completing state institutions, including the legislative council.He described the establishment of the legislative council as “a constitutional requirement.”Al-Burhan also welcomed an independently launched initiative seeking to establish a “purely Sudanese dialogue” involving political and societal forces.He said the initiative aims to establish an independent national mechanism to prepare for a comprehensive dialogue and build broad national consensus capable of putting Sudan on a path toward stability.According to Al-Burhan, those behind the initiative requested state guarantees to facilitate the participation and safety of all parties.He said he had approved the request, pledging the state’s readiness to provide logistical support as well as legal, political and security guarantees for the dialogue.Sudan has been engulfed in war between the army and the RSF since April 2023. The conflict has killed tens of thousands of people and displaced nearly 13 million, according to UN and international estimates.