The conflict between two warring factions in Sudan, a paramilitary group and the military junta, has played out in a continental peace conference, when one party objected to being in the same room as the other and walked out.
Malik Agar, deputy president of the Transitional Sovereignty Council (TSC) of Sudan, and his delegation left on Sunday morning after the arrival of Gen Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, commander of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), on Saturday at the event held in Magaliesberg.
The RSF was established as a breakaway military wing from the Sudan armed forces on April 15 last year amid discontent with the regime. It was an army support force for the government, but it resorted to what has been labelled a “rebel” or “insurgent” group by the armed forces. It was on this day that two groups battled over control of the capital, Khartoum, where at least 100 people were reported dead.
After the standoff between the two groups, the RSF claimed it is fighting for civilian rule rather than an authoritarian one sparked by the junta after the 2019 coup by the armed forces led by Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan.
The publication could not afford them a right of reply, as a result of the limitation.
The almost 18-month war between the two has plunged Sudan into famine.
Agar was expected to present remarks on the Sudan conflict at the inaugural Annual African Peace and Security Dialogue hosted by the Thabo Mbeki Foundation under the theme “Towards a peaceful and secure Africa: challenges and opportunities” on Sunday. However, he changed his flight arrangements and left the country.
In response, RSF leader Dagalo said: “We care about ending the suffering of the people. It’s a baseless excuse for him to leave the dialogue. Our brother and our people from the continent invite us to solve the problem, how will you win the war if you run away from the other side?
“This shows their (TSC) lack of commitment to end the war in Sudan.
“... For the sake of peace, I left Khartoum despite the circumstances of military operations to participate in an IGAD summit in Uganda, but the army commander (Al-Burhan) did not attend. Similarly, the deputy commander of the RSF left Sudan to participate in the Manama negotiations, which failed due to the absence of the armed forces representative after signing a preliminary declaration,” said Dagalo.
He said the war created catastrophic humanitarian conditions that always accompany protracted conflicts. Though accused of peddling the war, RSF says it has, among other steps, provided relief and medical assistance.
“Despite the efforts, and others we have undertaken to address the effects of the war, we are fully aware that stopping the devastation and genuinely addressing the humanitarian suffering require ending the war completely by addressing its root causes.
“Despite our control over Darfur, Gezira, large parts of Kordofan, and the majority of Khartoum state, we affirm to the leaders participating in the Annual African Peace and Security Dialogue our full readiness to agree to a comprehensive ceasefire throughout Sudan to allow the delivery of humanitarian aid, ensure safe corridors for civilians,” he added.
He said the civil war in Sudan is a reflection or manifestation of the country's protracted crisis. It necessitates the search for a long-term ceasefire agreement.
“The April 15 war should be the war that ends all wars in Sudan. This requires addressing the root causes of the crisis in Sudan in a manner that redresses historical injustices, restores rights, achieves peaceful democratic transition, establishes sustainable peace and implements transitional justice.
“The eradication of illegitimate monopolies over power and influences, whether ideological and radical, partisan, familial, tribal, or narrow regional, is essential to return authority to the people.
“Sudan must be established as a true republic, where power and influence belongs to all Sudanese ... We are going to bring democracy to this country,” he said.
However, Sudanese mediator and peace activist Rabab Baldo challenged the RSF on how they intend to achieve peace, saying the atrocities should be considered and justice must be a point of departure and not just a ceasefire.
“We always prioritise peace ... This has created historical grievances as we have seen. Women, children and men have been raped, killed and seen all types of conflict-related and sexual violence. Justice first and peace will follow.
“The issue of transitional justice was never taken seriously, which would bring justice for the victims of harassment and related violence and those who have lost their lives and livelihood. I have to see justice happening for my sisters, mothers and grandmothers first. Without ensuring accountability, I’m afraid we are fuelling more injustices that will come back again,” Baldo said.
She added that those who have committed crimes against the people of Sudan need to be brought to book and not incentivised after a ceasefire.
With regards to the claim by the RSF that they seek to bring a democracy, she said: “I don’t think you can bring democracy by guns. This is an excuse they are using to claim power. I’m not buying into their claim.”
This conflict brought the role of the AU in conflict resolution and de-escalation on the continent into focus. Heavy criticism was levelled at the AU by experts and politicians alike, including former South African president and former AU chairperson Thabo Mbeki.
“Look at the conflict in Sudan, where is the AU with regard to the resolution of that conflict? Nowhere to be seen. There is something that’s wrong. What is the AU doing in bringing this dream of a united Africa? Nothing. Absolutely zero,” said Mbeki.
Sheina Kiyara, director and geopolitical strategist at Think Africa, said the AU’s 2063 agenda to end all wars, prevent genocide and conflict on the continent, and silencing the guns, cannot happen until African voices are heard loud and clear and the economic factors that worsen security issues on the continent are resolved.
“As an important chess piece for both the global north and south, Africa must use this strategic importance to its advantage. The lowest-hanging fruit is the green energy transition. For Africa to make its mark in the ‘new world order’, African leaders will need to reconcile green capitalism with the new scramble for Africa. This new challenge will necessitate the reconstruction of its power systems.
“Disruptive geostrategy is required to navigate the hierarchy of power. A decentralised approach would be more effective in moving faster towards Agenda 2063. There are African countries that are exemplars in green energy, technology, communication, infrastructure, arts and culture.
“The AU can optimise efficiency by allowing ‘best-in-class’ African countries to lead movements based on their areas of expertise,” Kiyara said.
