Sudan Sovereignty Council Chairman Abdulfettah el-Burhan issued a stern message after the government's response to the US-proposed ceasefire plan. Burhan declared they will not approve any agreement that does not guarantee the security and stability of the Sudanese people.
Burhan addressed the congregation after Friday prayers in the city of Omdurman, west of the capital Khartoum. As commander of the army, he said the armed forces are advancing based on the people's determination. "We will never disappoint the people and we will not hand over this state without national consensus among all Sudanese," he said.
Describing the struggle against the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) as a "war of honor," Burhan stressed they will continue fighting until the country is cleansed of all forms of aggression. In a message to internal and external rebels, he stated, "We are capable of winning this sacred national war with the determination of Sudan's sons."
These remarks came immediately after the Sudanese government gave its official response to the US ceasefire proposal. The US plan envisioned a 90-day urgent humanitarian ceasefire, a permanent ceasefire, and a civilian-led transition process. The plan also included establishing a United Nations (UN)-led mechanism to support the limited withdrawal of the Rapid Support Forces.
Two senior Sudanese officials conveyed that the government response included security arrangements covering the withdrawal, disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration of the Rapid Support Forces into the military institution under UN supervision after a permanent ceasefire is achieved.
Since April 2023, clashes have continued in Sudan between the army and the Rapid Support Forces over a dispute about unifying the military structure. Tens of thousands have lost their lives in the war, while 13 million people have been displaced.
