(MENAFN) Sudan’s defense minister called Tuesday for broad public mobilization against the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) as fighting continues in Darfur and Kordofan.

Hassan Kabroun described the military response to the RSF as a “legitimate national right” in light of crimes committed by the group, particularly in El-Fasher, the capital of North Darfur. He emphasized that while the government supports peace initiatives and international mediation, preparations for “the people’s battle” to protect Sudan’s unity and security would continue.

The army reinforced this call in an official statement after an emergency session of the Security and Defense Council in Khartoum, chaired by army chief Gen. Abdel Fattah al-Burhan. The council pledged support for families of the dead, captives, and missing, while reviewing “the unprecedented grave violations” committed by the RSF against civilians. It accused the paramilitary group of besieging El-Fasher and criticized the international community for failing to pressure the RSF to lift the siege.

The council discussed “arrangements to prevent a repetition of the El-Fasher tragedy” and reviewed the overall political, military, and humanitarian situation, along with preparations for upcoming military operations. While welcoming “sincere efforts” to alleviate suffering, the statement reaffirmed that Sudan would continue to ready its forces for “the people’s battle to defend the unity and security of Sudan.”

The council also thanked the US government and its senior adviser for Arab and African affairs, Massad Boulos, for “appreciated efforts” to address the crisis. Boulos noted ongoing work to reach a humanitarian truce between the Sudanese army and the RSF, stating, “Both parties have agreed in principle, and we have not recorded any initial objection from either side. We are now focusing on the fine details.”

He explained that the initiative aims to secure a mutual understanding for a full ceasefire and a post-truce phase, as outlined by the International Quad of the US, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE in September. The group had proposed a three-month humanitarian truce to allow emergency aid delivery, followed by a nine-month transition toward an independent civilian-led government.

Boulos clarified that there are no direct negotiations between the RSF and Sudanese army at present, with US-led channels managing communications. He described conditions in El-Fasher as “very urgent and painful” and reaffirmed condemnation of the atrocities targeting civilians.

The RSF seized El-Fasher on Oct. 26, committing massacres that have raised fears of a permanent geographic split in Sudan. Since April 15, 2023, the army and RSF have been engaged in conflict that regional and international mediation efforts have failed to resolve, leaving thousands dead and millions displaced.

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