In open defiance of growing international pressure, Sudan’s military, under the leadership of General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, has pledged to persist with its military campaign in the 17-month civil war, rejecting widespread calls for a ceasefire and refusing to pause its operations.
Lieutenant General Ibrahim Gabir, Assistant Commander-in-Chief of the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), made the military’s position clear in an interview with the BBC, stating that peace talks would not interfere with the army’s objectives. “Peace talks can go on, but the army will not stop for that,” Gabir said, signaling the SAF’s commitment to its offensive strategy despite international efforts to negotiate a resolution.
The conflict, fueled by a power struggle among Sudan’s military leadership, has led to a catastrophic humanitarian crisis, with millions displaced and half of the population on the brink of starvation. However, Gabir downplayed concerns of an imminent famine, shifting blame to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), the rival faction in the conflict, accusing them of obstructing aid deliveries and worsening the country’s hunger crisis.
These accusations were contested by the United Nations, which has reported that 26 million people in Sudan are facing acute hunger. The UN also noted that the RSF has facilitated the passage of some aid deliveries by opening key crossings, contradicting Gabir’s claims.
Gabir’s dismissive comments towards ongoing diplomatic efforts and the SAF’s refusal to halt military operations reflect a broader resistance within the Sudanese military to address the humanitarian catastrophe. Instead, Gabir urged international actors to pressure the RSF to withdraw from strategic areas, claiming that only their retreat would prompt the army to scale back its offensive.
International mediation efforts, including those led by U.S. Sudan Envoy Tom Perriello, have stalled, with both sides prioritizing military gains over peaceful solutions. Although some aid has reached previously blockaded areas, the humanitarian response remains severely lacking, leaving millions at risk of starvation.
Gabir also rejected allegations that the SAF has delayed aid shipments or committed war crimes, attributing any misconduct to rogue soldiers. He defended the military’s right to secure arms deals, including with nations such as Iran, while downplaying the financial challenges Sudan faces amid the ongoing conflict.
Despite overwhelming evidence of the conflict’s devastating toll, the SAF continues to frame the RSF as the primary obstacle to peace. As violence persists and no ceasefire appears imminent, Gabir reiterated the army’s confidence in securing a military victory, declaring, “Sudan will conquer, and Sudan will be rebuilt.”
Yet, with no resolution in sight, the civil war continues to push the country deeper into crisis, leaving millions vulnerable and a peaceful solution increasingly elusive.