Sudan Conflict: Sudan’s military leader, General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, survived an assassination attempt as tensions continues to escalate in the war-torn nation. According to the Newscreek report, the attack, which involved two drones striking an army graduation ceremony, was blamed on the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The ceremony, held at a base in Jabait, east of Sudan, resulted in the deaths of five individuals. Despite the attack, Gen Burhan was evacuated to safety and vowed to defeat his adversaries, rejecting any negotiations with the RSF.
In a statement to the AFP news agency, Gen Burhan declared, “We will not retreat, we will not surrender, and we will not negotiate.” This declaration comes despite his government’s recent agreement to participate in US-mediated talks in Geneva on August 14. Previous attempts at negotiation have failed, with both sides repeatedly breaking their commitments, leading to what has become the world’s largest humanitarian crisis.
The ongoing conflict, which began 16 months ago, has displaced more than 10 million people. The strife erupted after former allies fell out over a plan to transition to civilian rule. Evidence suggests that drones from Iran and the UAE have been used in the conflict, further complicating the situation.
Video footage from the attack shows military graduates marching before the sound of a strike. The RSF, led by Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, also known as Hemedti, has denied responsibility for the attack. Instead, they blamed internal military disputes, suggesting factions within the military itself used the drones. The RSF controls eight of Sudan’s 18 state capitals, including Khartoum, and is expanding its influence into the southeast of the country.
The Beja people, residing between the mountains and the Red Sea coast, have historically had a contentious relationship with the central government. Despite supporting Gen Burhan, they harbor resentment due to rising living costs caused by the influx of people fleeing the capital, Khartoum.
As Sudan navigates this complex conflict, the international community watches closely, hoping for a resolution that will end the ongoing humanitarian crisis and pave the way for peace.