In a defiant stance against mounting international pressure, Sudan’s military, led by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, has declared its determination to continue its military campaign in the country’s 17-month civil war, refusing to halt operations despite widespread calls for a ceasefire.
Speaking to the BBC, Assistant Commander-in-Chief Lt. Gen. Ibrahim Gabir made it clear that negotiations for peace would not deter the SAF efforts. “Peace talks can go on, but the army will not stop for that,” he asserted, further undermining international peace efforts aiming to end the brutal civil war in Sudan.
The brutal civil war, ignited by internal power struggles among Sudan’s military leaders, has left millions displaced and plunged half of the country into starvation.
Despite this widespread devastation, Lt. Gen. Gabir dismissed serious concerns over a looming famine, instead deflecting responsibility for the humanitarian crisis onto the RSF.
He accused the group of exacerbating the country’s hunger crisis through obstructing aid deliveries.
Gabir’s comments are disputed by the United Nations as the organization has declared that 26 million people are facing acute hunger in Sudan and also has worked with RSF in facilitating aid and opening key crossings for the delivery.
Gabir’s dismissive tone towards diplomatic efforts and his refusal to cease military operations reflect the SAF’s broader unwillingness to acknowledge its role in the worsening humanitarian catastrophe.
Instead of taking steps toward de-escalation, Gabir called for international pressure on the RSF, insisting that only the withdrawal of the RSF forces from key areas would halt the army’s offensive.
Meanwhile, international attempts to mediate have stalled, with U.S. Sudan Envoy Tom Perriello highlighting the parties’ preoccupation with military gains over peaceful resolutions. While some aid has trickled into previously blockaded regions, the humanitarian response remains woefully inadequate, with millions still at risk of starvation.
In an effort to deflect criticism, Gabir rejected allegations that the SAF had delayed aid shipments or engaged in war crimes, blaming individual soldiers for any misconduct.
He further defended the army’s right to broker arms deals with any nation, including Iran, while downplaying the financial constraints Sudan faces.
Despite overwhelming evidence from international organizations of the devastating toll of the conflict, the SAF continues to cast the RSF as the primary barrier to peace.
With no sign of a ceasefire on the horizon, Lt. Gen. Gabir reiterated the army’s confidence in a military victory, vowing that “Sudan will conquer, and Sudan will be rebuilt.”
Yet, as the violence drags on, the country sinks deeper into crisis, and a resolution appears increasingly distant.
