Sudan’s military leader vows to include fighters in future political plans

February 13, 2025 (KHARTOUM) – Sudan’s army chief and Sovereign Council leader, Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, said on Thursday that the military would not abandon the fighters who have joined its ranks during the ongoing conflict and that they would be partners in any future political process.

Burhan’s remarks, made during a tour of military sites in Omdurman, come after he faced criticism from Islamists and loyalists of the dissolved National Congress Party (NCP) for his comments on Feb. 8 about political tensions, particularly from the NCP.

“The army and the state leadership will not abandon those who fought,” Burhan said. “Anyone who has taken up arms and fought the enemy – referring to the RSF – will be a partner in everything.”

He added that those who have mobilized to support the army, the civil support forces, the Popular Resistance, and all who have taken up arms would be partners in any future political project.

The military plans to amend the Constitutional Declaration of 2019 and form a civilian government, pledging not to interfere in its duties.

Burhan reiterated his rejection of negotiations or reconciliation with the RSF, vowing to continue the fight and recapture all areas, including Geneina, the capital of the West Darfur region.

The army has regained control of most areas in Sennar and Al Jazirah states, as well as large parts of the three cities that make up the capital, Khartoum and Um Rawaba in North Kordofan. It plans to use this base to advance towards al-Rahad and break the siege on the city of al-Obeid.

In previous statements five days ago, Burhan ruled out the return of al-Bashir party to  power, saying: “You will not have another chance to rule over the remains and blood of Sudanese people.”

He added that if the NCP wished to govern, it should organize itself for elections and compete with other political forces. “In this stage, no faction will impose its presence,” he said.

(ST)