Sudan’s military leader, Gen. Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, has reportedly survived an assassination attempt, according to army spokespeople. The army blames the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), with which they have been engaged in a bloody conflict for the past 16 months over control of the country.
The attack involved two drones striking an army graduation ceremony at a base in Jabait, resulting in the deaths of five individuals. This incident occurs just as Gen. Burhan’s government has conditionally agreed to engage in peace talks with the RSF, mediated by the United States, scheduled for next month.
Previous attempts to resolve the ongoing conflict, which has escalated into a major humanitarian crisis, have faltered, with both factions failing to uphold their commitments. Since the fallout between former allies over a political transition plan, over 10 million individuals have been displaced across the nation.
The Jabait army base is situated approximately 100km from Port Sudan, the military’s de facto capital where Gen. Burhan is based. Footage from the graduation event depicted military graduates in formal attire before the drone strike occurred.
Gen. Abdallah emphasized that the RSF is the sole entity endangering the Sudanese populace. He expressed relief that both Gen. Burhan and other commanders present were unharmed, with minimal injuries reported.
In the region inhabited by the Beja people, there has been a longstanding tension between the local communities and those in power, often feeling marginalized. While these communities have experienced internal conflicts, many broadly support Gen. Burhan, despite grievances related to escalating living costs in Port Sudan due to an influx of people escaping Khartoum.
Only the army and RSF possess drone capabilities, which have become increasingly utilized by both parties in the ongoing conflict. Recent months have seen allegations of divisions within the military, particularly highlighted by incidents such as drone strikes during Ramadan that resulted in the deaths of commanders from a brigade perceived as hardline against peace initiatives.
Some analysts have indicated that the RSF is becoming more aggressive in deploying drones to attack army-controlled territories. Recent reports suggest that the RSF commands control in eight out of Sudan’s 18 state capitals, including Khartoum, and is making advancements towards the southeast region of the country.
In a proactive diplomatic move, the Sudanese foreign affairs ministry requested a meeting with US officials before the commencement of the peace talks set to begin on 14 August. The RSF has quickly accepted the US mediation invitation presented last week.
