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Sudanese army rejects civilian transition, vows to punish RSF backers

Sudan's Assistant Army Commander, Yasser al-Atta. (Photo: SUNA)

By Foreign Reporter | 17 Mar 2024

Sudan's Assistant Army Commander Yasser al-Atta Yasser declared, "The army will not cede power to civilian forces without elections. During the transitional period, the head of state will be the armed forces commander."

Sudan's Assistant Army Commander, Yasser al-Atta, reiterated the military's stance on Saturday, refusing to relinquish power to civilians until elections are organised.

He also vowed to hold accountable those perceived as supporting the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) during the ongoing conflict.

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Speaking to a delegation from the National Forces Coordination, led by Deputy Chairman of the Sovereign Council Malik Agar, Yasser declared, "The army will not cede power to civilian forces without elections. During the transitional period, the head of state will be the armed forces commander."

Sudan Tribune reported that he threatened accountability for those deemed to have supported the RSF, stating, "Any agent or traitor will be treated like the Janjaweed because they support them. Their status, name, or popularity won't matter."

He revealed that he had requested leaders outside the Forces of Freedom and Change (FFC) coalition to influence the FFC Central Council faction to change their minds about the war at its outset.

"However," he added, "the time for discussion is over. Justice will be served according to the law."

Since the overthrow of Omar al-Bashir's regime, Chairman of the Sovereign Council Lieutenant General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan has advocated for continued military rule with a technocratic cabinet until general elections are held.

Yasser's remarks sparked outrage among FFC leaders, who condemned the targeted language.

Yasir Arman and Khalid Omer Youssif interpreted Yasser's words as revealing the true motive for the war: the military's complete power restoration and the sidelining of civilian forces.

Yasir called for an immediate focus on ceasefire efforts, emphasising the need for active civilian and FFC involvement.

Similarly, Khalid stressed that the war aims to extinguish hopes for a democratic civilian transition.

Regarding potential Islamist participation in the conflict, Yasser acknowledged the existence of 12 battalions of armed popular resistance fighting alongside the army in Omdurman.

"We don't deny anyone the right to defend their homeland, honour, and livelihood," he stated.

"We have no authority to revoke citizenship or prevent anyone from defending their country, honour, and belonging."