Hamdok: Military Gains in Sudan Won’t End Ongoing Civil War

Former Sudanese Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok criticized military claims of a breakthrough in the conflict, calling efforts to form a new government “fake.” He emphasized that military victories, including the capture of Khartoum, will not end the civil war that has killed many and displaced millions. Hamdok stresses that true peace requires addressing root causes of inequality and urges an end to foreign arms supplies.

Sudan’s former prime minister Abdalla Hamdok has expressed skepticism about the military’s recent claims of victory in the ongoing civil war. Speaking in Marrakesh, Morocco, Hamdok called the military’s moves to form a new government “fake,” emphasizing that recapturing Khartoum will not bring an end to the conflict that has lasted over two years and resulted in mass casualties. “No military victory… will end the war,” he stated firmly.

Hamdok, who served as Sudan’s first civilian prime minister before his resignation in January 2022, highlighted that the fighting has taken a staggering toll on the nation, with tens of thousands killed and millions displaced. He firmly said, “Whether Khartoum is captured or not captured, it’s irrelevant. There is no military solution to this. No side will be able to have outright victory.”

Since the onset of the civil war following a coup, Sudan has been engulfed in chaos and humanitarian crisis. The conflict has escalated, with at least 24,000 reported dead and millions fleeing their homes. Hamdok pointed out that both the army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) are accused of committing war crimes, including genocide and the use of chemical weapons against civilians.

While the military claims to have regained control over Khartoum and surrounding regions, fighting persists. Army chief Gen. Abdel-Fattah Burhan recently appointed a new prime minister, Kamil al-Taib Idris, but Hamdok dismissed these developments as mere “total nonsense.” He insists that real reconstruction cannot commence amidst ongoing violence, urging for a ceasefire and a return to democratic rule.

Hamdok, currently leading a civilian coalition from abroad, stressed the importance of addressing the fundamental causes of the war—inequities among various identity groups and the role of religion in government. He said, “Trusting the soldiers to bring democracy is a false pretense.”

Furthermore, Hamdok noted the detrimental involvement of foreign powers, suggesting these have exacerbated the conflict by supplying arms to both sides. While he refrained from directing blame at the UAE for allegedly arming the RSF, he called for a unified cessation of arms supplies to all factions engaged in the war. “What we would like to see is anybody who is supplying arms to any side to stop,” he asserted, as he called for accountability and an end to the bloodshed.

In summary, Abdalla Hamdok’s recent comments make it clear that he believes the military’s assertions about ending the war through recent victories are misleading. The ongoing conflict has resulted in catastrophic humanitarian consequences, and he urges focus on addressing deep-rooted issues to restore peace. Alluding to foreign influences in the conflict, he calls for an end to the supply of arms from any source to help pave the way for a genuine resolution.

Original Source: apnews.com