Sudanese activists have voiced strong opposition following remarks by General al-Burhan of Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), who declared that “glory now belongs only to the rifle” and condemned the use of tires during protests.
The statements, made during a civil service conference in Port Sudan, have sparked widespread anger, especially among those who supported the 2019 revolution that ousted dictator Omar al-Bashir’s regime.
The phrase “glory be to the tires” refers to the tactic of burning car tires during the 2019 uprising, which led to the overthrow of Bashir’s government.
Al-Burhan’s comments, seen as an endorsement of military force over peaceful protest, have led to a large social media backlash, with activists mobilizing under the hashtag “Glory be to the tires.” They accuse Al-Burhan of undermining the revolution and potentially setting the stage for a renewed crackdown.
“The time for closing the roads has come to an end,” Al-Burhan said. “Glory now belongs only to the rifle,” signaling his support for military power over the peaceful civil disobedience that characterized the earlier protests.
In response, activists have voiced concern over an impending escalation of violence. Yasser Arman, leader of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement – Revolutionary Democratic Current, criticized Al-Burhan’s remarks, linking them to fears of further repression. “Glory to the tires, yes to the December revolution, and no to the April war,” Arman said, referring to the ongoing conflict between General al-Burhan’s SAF and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
Nour El-Din Babiker, spokesperson for the Sudanese Congress Party (SCoP), condemned Al-Burhan’s rhetoric as indicative of his intentions to retain power at all costs. “The war is not for the homeland or dignity, but for power,” Babiker stated.
The online campaign has gained traction, with many Sudanese criticizing Al-Burhan for belittling the sacrifices of the 2019 revolution. The “Old Omdurman Resistance Committees” online group accused Al-Burhan of mocking the revolution, while the Unified Women’s Coordination to Stop the War described his statements as an attempt to criminalize dissent and shift blame for the country’s current instability.
As the online protests continue, some activists have used AI technology to create images of Al-Burhan sitting on car tires, symbolizing the SAF’s hijacking of the revolution.
Many see the general’s remarks as a preemptive strike to stifle any similar uprisings and ensure his regime remains in control.
Al-Burhan’s remarks come amid ongoing arrests and targeted killings of those involved in the 2019 revolution and those calling for the return of civilian rule.
A widespread crackdown following the October 2021 coup saw over 120 protesters killed and led to growing international criticism of Sudan’s military leadership.
