While Sudan’s army chief, General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, was preparing to deliver his speech at the United Nations General Assembly, the commander of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, appeared in a recorded video message addressing the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
Dagalo stated that the RSF is fully prepared for a ceasefire and entering comprehensive political talks to end the ongoing conflict that began in mid-April of the previous year. He added that Sudan is experiencing its largest war in history, ignited by what he described as supporters of the previous regime and military leaders who oppose the democratic transition.
He also mentioned that it was the army that initiated the attack on the RSF and that they tried to prevent the fighting by contacting the Sudanese army’s commander and the UN envoy, but their efforts were in vain.
The RSF commander emphasised the necessity of seeking a long-term ceasefire agreement linked to the principles of a comprehensive political solution that addresses the root causes of Sudan’s wars.
Dagalo called for the establishment of a new Sudanese army from the current multiple military forces, to build a united professional military institution separated from politics.
خطابي للجمعية العامة للأمم المتحدة في دورتها العادية الثامنة والسبعين pic.twitter.com/5V0t6X6rjs
— Mohamed Hamdan Daglo (@GeneralDagllo) September 21, 2023
Sudan’s army chief statements
On the other hand, the commander of the Sudanese army and the head of the Sudanese Sovereignty Council, Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, warned in New York of the expansion of the ongoing war in Sudan. He stated that the suspension of international aid has exacerbated the conditions of internally displaced people and refugees in Sudan.
As part of his speech delivered at the United Nations General Assembly, al-Burhan stated that this situation is akin to a “spark for the war to spread to other countries in the region around Sudan.” He emphasised that “the Sudanese people are facing a devastating war waged by the RSF in alliance with tribal, regional, and international militias.”
Al-Burhan emphasized his commitment to working towards achieving peace and ending the war in Sudan, as well as alleviating the suffering of the Sudanese people. He also mentioned his support for the idea of a transitional phase during which the independents govern the country, affirming that the legitimate state institutions, including the government and armed forces, will not allow any violation of the state’s sovereignty and legitimacy.