Sudan’s Burhan rules out RSF coexistence, rejects famine claims

December 31, 2024 (PORT SUDAN) – Sudanese army chief General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan on Tuesday ruled out any possibility of coexistence with the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and dismissed reports of famine in the country as “fabrications” aimed at foreign intervention.

In a televised address marking Sudan’s 69th independence day, Burhan said “things cannot return to how they were before April 15, 2023,” the date the conflict between the army and RSF erupted.

“We cannot accept the presence of these killers and criminals – referring to the RSF – and their supporters among the Sudanese people again,” he said.

Burhan said the army was preparing to end the war decisively but remained open to “any genuine initiative that ends the war, ensures the safe return of citizens to their homes, and eliminates threats to their lives.”

He accused the RSF and its allies of “killing, displacement, starvation, impoverishment, and violation of sanctities,” saying their actions had exposed their true nature to the Sudanese people.

Burhan said the government had met all humanitarian needs and facilitated aid delivery despite the war.

“What is being circulated about famine is pure fabrication and intended to interfere in Sudanese affairs,” he said.

His comments come despite a report by the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) warning of famine in parts of North Darfur and South Kordofan states.

The IPC report, published on Dec. 24, identified 17 areas at risk of famine in Sudan and said 24.6 million people would face high levels of food insecurity from December to May.

Burhan said the army was committed to international humanitarian law and had implemented strict measures to protect civilians. He added that the government was working to restore infrastructure and basic services.