Lt. Gen. Ibrahim Gabir, Assistant Commander-in-Chief of the Sudanese army, has declared that the military will persist with its offensive despite international efforts to broker a ceasefire in the 17-month civil war. Speaking to reporters, Gabir emphasized that while peace talks could proceed, the army would not halt its operations, particularly its efforts to reclaim the capital, Khartoum, from the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
The conflict, which began in April 2023 due to a leadership split over Sudan’s future, has caused a severe humanitarian crisis, with millions displaced and over half the country facing hunger. However, Gen. Gabir denied there was a famine, blaming the RSF for obstructing humanitarian aid and exacerbating food shortages, particularly in North Darfur.
He also hinted at past arms dealings with Iran, stating that the Sudanese government has the right to engage with any country, but noted the lack of cash to facilitate such purchases. The UAE, which denies backing the RSF, has been accused of providing advanced weapons to the militia, according to UN reports and independent investigations.
Despite fresh diplomatic attempts, ceasefire negotiations have made little progress. The U.S. Sudan Envoy, Tom Perriello, acknowledged that while humanitarian access has slightly improved, much more is needed to address the dire situation.
Gabir reiterated the army’s demand for the RSF to withdraw from areas it occupies and urged the international community to pressure the militia to stop fighting. As the conflict rages on, Sudan remains in turmoil, with both sides showing little willingness to compromise.
