Darfur- At a time when international analyzes are escalating about the “division of Sudan” scenarios after the Rapid Support Forces took control of large parts of the states of the Darfur region, a member of the Transitional Sovereignty Council, Salah al-Din Adam Tor, known as “Salah Rasas,” confirms that the region is a “red line” and will not turn into a “state within a state,” stressing that the Darfuris are an integral part of the Sudanese fabric and will not accept the separation of the region or taking part of it.
Rasas’s statements came at a time when the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Joint Force continue to achieve successive field victories in West Darfur, where they were able to liberate strategic areas such as “Abu Qamra” and “Kulbus”, and advance towards “Jabal Moon” in a step that paves the way for the liberation of El Geneina, the capital of West Darfur.
In an exclusive interview with Al Jazeera Net, Rassas revealed extensive military operations aimed at “breaking the bones” of the Rapid Support Forces, stressing that the armed forces and the joint force composed of the armed movements in Darfur are continuing steadfastly until the Rapid Support is defeated and all parts of the country are secured. He explained that the Juba Sudan Peace Agreement stipulates that the country will have “one army” after the end of the war.
Below is the text of the dialogue:
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After more than three years of war, how do you evaluate the current situation in the Darfur region?
The war waged by the Rapid Support Forces on Darfur is not just a military conflict, but rather a systematic war of extermination against civilians in the region, which is experiencing catastrophic humanitarian conditions, especially with the displacement of hundreds of thousands and the complete collapse of basic services.
But thanks to the steadfastness of the people of Darfur and the sacrifices of our armed forces, we have begun to see signs of victory on the ground. What is happening in Darfur is not just a military conflict, but rather a war against civilians themselves, aiming to destroy the infrastructure and force the population to displace.
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There are reports talking about scenarios for dividing Sudan. What is your position on these calls?
The people of Darfur are an integral part of the Sudanese people, and their history is bright and well-known in the unity of the country. Darfur is a red line, and we will not allow anyone to turn it into a state within a state. These calls are nothing but illusions promoted by some parties with the aim of destabilizing the country, and they do not represent the will of the Darfurians in any way. Whoever thinks that he can separate Darfur from Sudan is delusional, because the blood that was shed in Darfur was always for the sake of preserving the unity of this country.
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Some believe that the formation of a “establishment” government in Nyala and reports of it issuing passports and a parallel currency are actual steps towards division. How does the government intend to confront this?
What is happening in Nyala is not the brainchild of the Rapid Support Forces, but rather external dictates aimed at tearing apart the unity of Sudan. These attempts are desperate and doomed to failure. The legitimate government, represented by the Sovereignty Council, the Armed Forces, and the Council of Ministers, has clear plans to restore every inch of Sudan’s territory, and we will not allow anyone to divide the country.
What comes next will be better, and victory is near, God willing. What is happening in Nyala is a desperate attempt to gain legitimacy by exploiting the suffering of civilians.
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How do you respond to those who believe that the Libyan model is applicable in Darfur?
The Libyan model cannot be applied in Sudan, as Sudan is not Libya, and Darfur is not Benghazi or Tripoli. The Libyan experience was a disaster for the Libyan people, and achieved nothing but chaos and destruction. We reject any attempt to replicate this failed model, and we affirm that Darfur will remain an integral part of Sudan, no matter the sacrifices it costs us.
The Darfuris themselves reject this model, and are prepared to defend the unity of their country. Whoever tries to apply the Libyan model in Darfur does not read history well, as Libya has not witnessed stability since the partition, but rather has turned into an arena of bloody conflict.
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Last February, a United Nations fact-finding mission concluded that RSF practices in El Fasher amounted to “genocide.” On June 23, the UN Security Council imposed sanctions on four leaders of these forces. How do you view these international descriptions? Do you think it will change the international community’s position towards the war in Darfur?
What was stated in the United Nations reports is not new to those who know the truth about what is happening in Darfur. The Rapid Support Forces have practiced and continue to practice the worst forms of violations against civilians, and this is confirmed by international reports.
The sanctions imposed by the Security Council are a step in the right direction, but they are not sufficient. We call on the international community to take tougher measures against militia leaders. The crimes committed in Darfur are no less heinous than any war crimes the world has witnessed, and officials from the Rapid Support Forces must be held accountable.
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An official memorandum submitted by the Sudanese government to the United Nations on June 13 revealed that more than 21,000 detainees were being held in Digris and Shalla prisons in conditions it described as “catastrophic,” including systematic torture, denial of treatment, and even reports of trafficking in human organs. What is your position on these reports, and do you have plans to free these detainees after the war ends?
What is happening in Rapid Support prisons is a full-fledged crime. Detaining tens of thousands of civilians in inhumane conditions, torturing them, depriving them of their most basic rights, and even trafficking in their organs, all of this places the Rapid Support Forces in the category of terrorist groups.
The Sudanese government has a complete file of these violations, and will work to document them in preparation for prosecuting those responsible. Freeing these detainees is one of our priorities, and we will work on that. We will also open an independent investigation into all the violations that occurred in these prisons.
A UN report last June also documented 546 incidents of sexual violence related to the conflict, and reports also spoke of systematic ethnic targeting, especially against some components. How does the government deal with these crimes, and will there be trials for those involved after the war ends?
These numbers documented by the United Nations are part of a larger tragedy; Rape and sexual violence were used by the Rapid Support Forces as a weapon of war to humiliate communities and dismantle the social fabric. This is not just passing violence, but rather a systematic policy aimed at destroying human dignity in Darfur.
The Sudanese government is determined to hold accountable everyone involved in these crimes, and we will not allow these violations to go unpunished. Transitional justice will be one of the most important files in the post-war period, and we will work with the international community to ensure that perpetrators are held accountable.
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What about the ongoing military operations on the ground?
The Armed Forces and the Joint Force are currently launching extensive military operations on various fronts, aiming to break the bones of the Rapid Support Forces and defeat them from their strongholds in the region. The joint force knows how to fight the militia, and is distinguished by its agility, quick movement, and circumvention. The results are already starting to appear, and we will continue to push until our full goals are achieved. The war will not stop until every inch of Darfur is liberated and the displaced return to their homes.
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Tell us about the latest field developments in West Darfur.. What are the most notable achievements achieved by the army and the joint forces in recent days?
During the past few days, the Sudanese army and the joint forces achieved important field progress in West Darfur, represented by regaining control over several strategic areas that were under the control of the Rapid Support, in a development that redraws the map of the conflict in the region.
In North Darfur state, our forces carried out precise operations in the Abu Qamra area, during which the militia suffered heavy losses in life and equipment, and were able to completely liberate it. The forces also regained control of other areas in Karnoi locality, as part of a broader strategy to secure the border areas with Chad.
In West Darfur state, the largest battle was in the strategic city of Kulbus, located about 160 kilometers north of the city of El Geneina. Violent battles took place during which our forces were able to extend full control over the city and the locality, after the Rapid Support Forces suffered heavy losses in lives and equipment.
Our forces continue to advance in various axes in a move aimed at tightening the noose on the last strongholds of Rapid Support in the region.
During the period from June 15 to June 30, our forces destroyed several Rapid Support combat vehicles, in addition to shooting down a strategic drone. These field achievements confirm that the armed and joint forces are proceeding with steadfastness and determination until the militia is defeated and all parts of the country are secured.
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After the war ends, what will the Sudanese Armed Forces look like?
The Juba Peace Agreement in Sudan stipulates that the country will have one army, and this is what we are working for. The joint force is moving in this direction, and this trend will be completed soon. There is no place for any armed forces outside the regular military establishment. This is the only way to ensure the country’s stability and unity.
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The Chairman of the Sovereignty Council called for a comprehensive Sudanese dialogue. What guarantees can the Council provide to make this dialogue a success?
The call for a comprehensive Sudanese-Sudanese dialogue is a thesis from the top of the state hierarchy, and the Transitional Sovereignty Council is keen to make this dialogue a success. All necessary arrangements and guarantees will be provided to make the process a success. Dialogue is the only way to overcome the current crisis and build a bright future for Sudan, and we extend our hands to everyone who wants good for this country.
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A final word addressed to the Sudanese people and the people of Darfur in particular.
I say to the Sudanese people and to our people in Darfur: Trust that victory is near, and that your state will not abandon you. We will do everything in our power to restore security and stability in every inch of Sudanese land.
Unity is our destiny, division will not be. Darfur is a red line, and we will not allow anyone to cross it. Sudan will remain one and united, despite all the conspiracies being hatched against it.
