Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International–Monitoring
In the heart of Sudan’s political whirlwind, General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, more popularly known as Hemedti, stands resolute. As the deputy head of Sudan’s sovereign council, he commands the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), and on a brisk February day, Hemedti faced the inquisitive eyes of the press at their headquarters in Khartoum. Recalling the pressing nature of the challenges faced, a famous adage comes to mind: “It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop.” This perhaps echoes the spirit in which Hemedti addressed his forces.
Dagalo announced with a stoic determination that his war with the Sudanese army was far from concluded. “We will return to Khartoum,” he avowed, even as his forces had been pushed out of significant portions of the capital – a reminder of the fickle nature of power. What keeps the spirit unyielding even in such dire circumstances?
In an era where decisions can make or break a nation, Hemedti’s remarks on Telegram were noteworthy. He mentioned their strategic withdrawal from Khartoum, suggesting a tactical repositioning to Omdurman. The decision was not an isolated one, a point he emphasized, reminiscent of military strategist Sun Tzu’s wisdom: “In the midst of chaos, there is also opportunity.” This might be a rallying cry for those in tumultuous battles, metaphorically and literally. Yet, the question resonates: Can a promise of return and victory be enough fuel to strengthen an already weary force?
The situation’s gravity was punctuated by the army’s actions over the weekend. Controlling a major market in Omdurman, pivotal for RSF launches, signals an assertive push towards a more total control over the region. Omdurman, with its plethora of military bases, remains a key piece in the puzzle. What does victory look like, and at what cost shall it be pursued, one wonders?
Amidst these strategic positions and power plays, army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan’s announcement came with a resonance of finality: any prospects of reconciliation with the RSF seemed like a distant dream he vowed never to entertain. His pledge to dismantle the RSF implies a gripping scenario where hopes for a peaceful resolution are overshadowed by the thick clouds of an impending showdown.
At the conflict’s core lies an unyielding struggle for power precipitated by plans for Sudan’s transition towards civilian governance. What indeed is the price for power, and does the blood-soaked path bear the burden of sustainable peace? As Khartoum’s face bears the scars of war, with vast dwellings lying in disarray and over 12 million lives displaced, the human cost is a stark reminder of the war’s horrific facade. Suffering, with nearly half the population facing dire food shortages, is a wound that festers daily.
An intricate tapestry of hope is woven with the threads of human suffering and resilience. When one reflects on the estimate by last year’s study, suggesting a death toll of 61,000 in Khartoum state alone, the sheer magnitude of loss grips the conscience. Can these souls find peace amid the chaos? As Sudan navigates these troubled waters, reflections of similar global struggles come to mind, prompting larger questions about humanity’s tendency towards conflict and whether there’s ever an endpoint in sight.
Through these tremors, journalists Khaled Abdelaziz, Menna Alaa El-Din, and Hatem Maher, alongside their fellow writers, have tirelessly captured the quintessence of a nation’s struggle. Their narratives, infused with gravitas by editors Kirsten Donovan and Giles Elgood, offer us a window into a world so often overshadowed by larger geopolitical narratives. As the story of Sudan continues to unfold, one wonders not only about the fate of its leaders and polity but also about the indomitable spirit of its people. Which path will they forge in the darkness, and what stories of resilience will they pass down to future generations?
