KHARTOUM — Sudan's military chief, Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, rejected negotiations to end the country's three-and-a-half-year conflict on Tuesday, vowing to seize all territory controlled by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces.
Addressing a gathering in Merowe, a northern Sudanese city, al-Burhan said the "military option" would continue until the RSF was removed from Sudan. The conflict, which began in April 2023, stems from a disagreement over plans to integrate the paramilitary force into the Sudanese army.
United Nations estimates indicate the conflict has killed tens of thousands of people and displaced approximately 13 million.
In West Kordofan state, 10 civilians died and several others were injured in an attack attributed to the RSF, according to the Dar Hamar Emergency Committee. The committee accused the RSF of violations against civilians in Abu Ajal village, in the southeastern countryside of En Nahud.
The RSF has been massing forces in West Kordofan following advances by the Sudanese army toward the cities of En Nahud and Al Khuway, after gains in neighboring North Kordofan.
The International Organization for Migration reported that more than 5,500 people were displaced from villages in Blue Nile state over a three-day period due to deteriorating security conditions.
Massad Boulos, the U.S. senior adviser for Arab and African affairs, said Sudanese parties must lead any peace negotiations. He said peace could be achieved "through an inclusive Sudanese-owned and Sudanese-led national dialogue, transition toward a civilian-led government."
The U.S. State Department has said neither the Sudanese Armed Forces nor the RSF, nor their respective leaders, represent legitimate or constitutional governance for Sudan.
