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Sudan’s Military Chief Accuses RSF of Using Civilians as Human Shields. PHOTO/Xinhua
KHARTOUM – Military commander Sudan Abdel Fattah al-Burhan accused the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) of using civilians as a human shield. Until now, the fighting between the Sudanese military and the RSF has claimed the lives of 400 people.
“RSF fighters were deployed in residential areas, and they used civilians as human shields,” Burhan told Al Arabiya, Saturday (22/4/2023).
Burhan also accused the RSF of attacking diplomatic missions, ignoring international law and “turning hospitals into military (sites). “RSF attacked shops, banks and government institutions,” said Burhan.
Asked about the whereabouts of RSF leader Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, known as Hemedti, Burhan said no one knew where he was. “Even his troops don’t know where he is,” said Burhan.
Burhan also said that airports in Sudan are under the control of the army except for airports (capital) Khartoum and Nyala, capital of South Darfur state.
“(Fighting) in the city prolongs the confrontation. The gunmen must leave the residential neighborhood to end this war,” said Burhan. He added that no one can predict when and how the clashes will end.”
“The Sudanese people are the ones who have lost the most. We call for internal dialogue to resolve this crisis,” Burhan added.
Sudan borders seven countries and sits between Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Ethiopia and Africa’s turbulent Sahel region. Hostilities risk fanning regional tensions.
The violence was sparked by disagreements over plans for international support to form a new civilian government four years after the fall of President Omar al-Bashir and two years after a military coup. Both sides accuse the other of derailing the transition.
(esn)
