Sudan’s military leader survives drone strikes despite peace talks
Al-Burhan inspects troops at a graduation ceremony in Gebit before a drone attack on July 31, 2024 (Photo via Twitter)
Sudan’s military leader General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, narrowly escaped an assassination attempt involving drone strikes in a dramatic escalation of Sudan’s 16-month conflict.
Sudan army blames RSF for attack
The Sudan Army’s Spokesman, Nabil Abdallah, accused the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) of orchestrating the attack, which targeted an army graduation ceremony in Jabait, eastern Sudan.
Two drones struck during the ceremony, resulting in five fatalities at the military base, a stronghold of the army. Video footage from the event shows military graduates marching before the sound of the strike interrupts the proceedings.
Abdallah confirmed that Gen Burhan and other commanders present were unharmed, with no major injuries reported among them.
10 million people displaced
The RSF has not commented on the attack, which comes after Gen Burhan’s government’s conditional agreement to engage in U.S.-mediated peace talks in August.
Previous negotiations have repeatedly failed as both sides have refused to honor their commitments, exacerbating what has become the world’s largest humanitarian crisis.
Over 10 million people have been displaced since the conflict began, triggered by a power struggle between former allies over an internationally backed political plan to transition to civilian rule.
Drones, available to both the Sudan Army and RSF, have been a significant factor in the conflict.
Allegations of internal conflicts within the military have also surfaced, particularly after a drone strike killed commanders from the Abaraa Iban Malik brigade, known for its stance against peace talks.
Analysts suggest that these internal divisions and the RSF’s increasing use of drones are contributing to the ongoing violence.
Ukraine’s involvement in the attack should also be considered since they have been active in Sudan as well.
International response, future talks
The Sudanese foreign affairs ministry has requested a meeting with U..S officials ahead of the peace talks scheduled to begin in Geneva on Aug. 14.
The RSF has accepted the U.S. invitation for these talks, which are seen as a critical step toward resolving the conflict.
