A leading general in Sudan has reinforced the military’s commitment to continue its offensive despite ongoing international efforts to negotiate a ceasefire amid the escalating 17-month civil war.
“Peace talks can continue, but the army will not halt its operations,” stated Assistant Commander-in-Chief Lt Gen Ibrahim Gabir. His remarks come shortly after the military launched an operation aimed at regaining control of the capital, Khartoum, from the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
The conflict erupted in April of the previous year, following a rift between military leaders over the nation’s direction. This prolonged struggle has led to a severe humanitarian crisis, leaving over half of Sudan’s population facing food insecurity and millions displaced from their homes.
In a broad-ranging interview, Gen Gabir alluded to possible arms dealings between Sudanese authorities and Iran, while rejecting claims of famine within the country. He emphasized that the army would cease its actions only when parties agreed to a ceasefire, demanding the RSF withdraw from occupied regions.
“Let the international community apply pressure on the militia to cease hostilities and vacate the properties it has seized,” he insisted, expressing optimism about the army’s current momentum.
Despite diplomatic endeavors aimed at halting hostilities, recent attempts have stalled, as acknowledged by US Sudan Envoy Tom Perriello. He described the situation as “extremely dire,” noting that those capable of instigating change appear more inclined to escalate conflict. However, he highlighted slight improvements in humanitarian access, with hundreds of aid trucks recently permitted to reach previously inaccessible areas.
The army had previously obstructed humanitarian shipments via a vital crossing controlled by the RSF between Chad and Darfur. An agreement was reached in August to resume these deliveries, with the RSF pledging to facilitate access to affected regions.
Gen Gabir rejected accusations of delays in processing necessary paperwork for humanitarian organizations, citing the number of visas issued. He charged the RSF with looting aid supplies and obstructing relief efforts to the besieged city of el-Fasher in North Darfur, attributing the hunger crisis to the militia’s actions.
While United Nations-backed experts reported famine conditions in the Zamzam camp for displaced individuals, the Sudanese government has not officially declared a famine, which could prompt a UN Security Council intervention.
Focusing on the Darfur frontier with Chad, the army cites this region as a route for mercenary infiltration and arms supplies, primarily from the United Arab Emirates.
Gen Gabir claimed that the alleged assistance from the UAE to the RSF significantly impacts the conflict’s dynamics, asserting that while RSF is a militia backed by advanced weaponry, they will ultimately not prevail in the war.
He hinted at discussions regarding arms purchases with Iran, stating, “Weapons can be found if one has the financial means for payment.” Gen Gabir emphasized, “We are a government and have the right to engage with all parties.”
Denouncing recent UN allegations of war crimes—including indiscriminate bombings and attacks on civilian infrastructure—Gen Gabir admitted that while “the Sudanese army is not perfect,” any misconduct lies with individuals rather than systemic wrongdoing.
When asked about the duration of the conflict, he refrained from speculation, noting comparisons to the lengthy military campaign in Afghanistan. Historical context suggests that Sudan’s civil wars tend to be protracted due to the vastness of the country and the size of the opposing factions.
For Gen Gabir, the objective remains clear: “Sudan will prevail, and Sudan will be rebuilt.”
