Sudan’s Former Prime Minister Hamdok Says Recent Military Gains Won’t End War

Sudan’s ex-PM Abdalla Hamdok argues military gains will not resolve the ongoing civil war, dismissing recent government efforts as “fake.” The war has led to significant humanitarian crises and thousands of deaths. He emphasizes the need for a ceasefire and a focus on addressing root causes of conflict.

In a striking interview in Marrakech, Morocco, former Sudanese Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok has rejected the military’s recent narrative regarding political gains. Following the military’s efforts to form a new government—a move Hamdok condemned as “fake”—he insisted that victories in Khartoum and elsewhere will not put an end to the ongoing two-year civil war.

Hamdok explained that the conflict, which has resulted in the deaths of tens of thousands and displaced millions, cannot be resolved through military means. He stated bluntly that the capture of places like Khartoum is irrelevant. “There is no military solution to this. No side will be able to have outright victory,” he emphasized during remarks made on the sidelines of the Mo Ibrahim Foundation’s governance conference.

Once a beacon of civilian leadership in Sudan, Hamdok became the first civilian prime minister in 2019 after enduring decades of military rule. His tenure was turbulent and came to a close in January 2022 after a coup ousted him, followed by a brief reinstatement under international pressure. The power struggle escalated into civil war, leaving Sudan with one of the worst humanitarian crises in the world today.

Reports indicate that the violent clashes between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have led to at least 24,000 fatalities, though many think the actual numbers may be even higher. Both factions are facing serious allegations of committing war crimes, with the RSF being linked to genocide and the military accused of deploying chemical weapons against civilians.

The ongoing war has caused approximately 13 million people to flee their homes, and this includes around 4 million crossing borders to escape the violence. Humanitarian situations are severe, compounded by famine and cholera sweeping through affected regions. Despite recent military recaptures, including the Khartoum area, fighting has persisted, with the army claiming these advances as significant.

Hamdok criticized the notion that military progress means the conflict is dwindling, labeling it as “total nonsense.” The former prime minister believes that establishing a sustainable government or starting reconstruction in Khartoum amid active fighting is “absolutely ridiculous.” His focus remains on the need for a ceasefire and a genuine process to restore democratic governance to address the root causes of the war.

The former prime minister pointed out that addressing inequalities and issues among the various identity groups in Sudan, along with the role of religion in governance, is crucial. “Trusting the soldiers to bring democracy is a false pretense,” he remarked.

The conflict’s roots are entwined with decades of internal divisions, yet foreign intervention by various nations has intensified the situation, with accusations of different states supplying arms to both factions.

Hamdok’s Somoud coalition, along with various pro-democracy groups, has condemned the atrocities stemming from both the military and the RSF. He refrained from directly accusing the UAE of arming the RSF amidst growing international scrutiny and ongoing investigations. When pressed on the matter, he highlighted the need for a broader viewpoint, suggesting that it is not just about singling out one nation for munitions while disregarding others like Iran, who are also involved. “What we would like to see is anybody who is supplying arms to any side to stop,” he concluded.

In summary, former Sudanese PM Abdalla Hamdok has emphasized that recent military advances and the formation of a new government will not end the civil war that has claimed thousands of lives and displaced millions. He called the military’s claims “fake” and reiterated that sustainable peace requires addressing deeper root causes such as inequality and governance issues. The ongoing conflict, exacerbated by external influences, continues to cast a shadow over Sudan’s future as humanitarian crises unfold.

Original Source: apnews.com