Yasir al-Atta, Assistant Commander to General al-Burhan’s Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), declared on Tuesday that SAF will not engage in negotiations with the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), even if the “conflict endures for a century.”
This statement comes during UN-sponsored indirect talks in Geneva between al-Burhan’s government and the RSF, aimed at addressing a worsening humanitarian crisis.
Speaking at a promotion ceremony for officers and soldiers of the Engineering Corps in Omdurman, al-Atta asserted, “There will be no negotiation, no truce, even if the war lasts 100 years.”
Al-Atta’s remarks underscore al-Burhan’s steadfast stance in the conflict. Despite peace initiatives by Saudi Arabia, the US, and the African Union, efforts to end the conflict have faltered due to SAF’s persistence on crucial issues.
Al-Atta argued that negotiating with the RSF would only prolong the conflict and exacerbate political, military, and security challenges, hindering Sudan’s progress.
He reiterated SAF’s commitment to what he termed the “war of dignity” until RSF fighters and their allies surrender. Al-Atta also dismissed claims of tribal support for the RSF, asserting that no tribe would condone the violence and abuse associated with the group.
“We stand with the will and decision of the Sudanese people, whose interest lies in the elimination of the RSF,” al-Atta declared.
These comments follow SAF air strikes on residential areas in Nyala, South Darfur, and El Geneina, West Darfur, on Sunday, resulting in civilian casualties, including deaths and injuries.
Since mid-April 2023, Sudan has been embroiled in a devastating conflict between the army and the RSF, originating in Khartoum and spreading to Darfur, Kordofan, Al Jazirah, the White Nile, and Sennar regions.
The escalating conflict has led to numerous deaths and displaced over ten million people, prompting concerns of an imminent famine due to inadequate humanitarian aid reaching those affected.