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Sudan's army chief plans transitional govt amid advances; 80 dead in southern Sudan
Sudan's army chief plans transitional govt amid advances; 80 dead in southern Sudan
by AFP Staff Writers
Port Sudan, Sudan (AFP) Feb 8, 2025

Sudan's army chief said Saturday that a transitional government would be formed soon, as the military makes major gains against rival paramilitaries in the capital and central parts of the war-torn country.

Speaking in Port Sudan, the country's de facto capital, Abdel Fattah al-Burhan said the new administration -- described as either a "caretaker government" or a "war government" -- would be composed of "independent" experts.

"We are seeking to form a government in the coming period that will complete the tasks of transition," Burhan said.

He added that its main objective would be to help "accomplish the remaining military tasks... and cleanse all of Sudan" of the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

Burhan also signalled that the government would lay the groundwork for a broader political transition, preparing the country for elections.

He said a constitutional document would be approved before appointing a prime minister, pledging not to "interfere in his tasks or duties".

The leader announced a cabinet reshuffle in November, replacing four ministers, including those for foreign affairs and media.

Since April 2023, Sudan has been locked in a devastating war between Burhan and his former ally, Mohamed Hamdan Daglo, leader of the RSF.

In his speech on Saturday, Burhan ruled out negotiations with the paramilitary group unless its forces withdrew from Khartoum, West Kordofan in the south and Darfur in the west, and regrouped in "designated locations."

Sudan army advances on central Khartoum; 80 dead in southern Sudan violence: UN
Port Sudan, Sudan (AFP) Feb 6, 2025 - Sudan's military advanced on central Khartoum "from multiple axes" on Thursday, an army source told AFP, with troops nearing the paramilitary-controlled Republican Palace.

The army, at war with the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces since April 2023, has in recent weeks mounted a fierce offensive to reclaim full control of the capital.

"Our forces are close to reaching the centre of Khartoum... and expelling the Daglo militia," a source in the army told AFP, referring to RSF commander Mohamed Hamdan Daglo.

"Our armoured forces are advancing from multiple axes," he added, requesting anonymity because he was not authorised to speak to the media.

On Wednesday, the army said it had "cleared out" the neighbourhoods of al-Remila and the Industrial Area in central Khartoum -- only three kilometres (1.9 miles) from the RSF-held Republican Palace.

But eyewitnesses on Thursday said army troops had to make their way through RSF snipers posted on high-rises in what used to be Khartoum's business and government district.

The RSF did not respond to an AFP request for comment.

Further south, witnesses reported clashes between the army and the RSF around Soba Bridge -- a key southeastern entry point to the capital.

The army's advance on the capital is its biggest victory in a year, since it regained Omdurman across the Nile River which, together with Khartoum North and the city centre, makes up greater Khartoum.

Since it erupted, the war has killed tens of thousands of people, uprooted 12 million and pushed the country to the brink of famine.

80 dead in southern Sudan violence: UN
Port Sudan, Sudan (AFP) Feb 6, 2025 - The United Nations warned Thursday that two southern Sudan states were "on the brink of catastrophe" after a recent eruption of violence reportedly killed at least 80 people in one city.

Renewed fighting broke out last week in the states of South Kordofan and Blue Nile between the army and a faction of the Sudan People's Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N) led by Abdel Aziz al-Hilu.

United Nations resident and humanitarian coordinator in Sudan Clementine Nkweta-Salami said the fighting had reportedly claimed at least 80 lives in South Kordofan state capital Kadugli alone.

"I condemn the reported use of women and children as human shields in Kadugli, the obstruction of humanitarian aid, and the detention of civilians including children," the UN's most senior official in the country said in a statement.

Sudan's army and its main rival, the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, have been at war for control of the country since April 2023, creating a widespread humanitarian crisis.

Hilu's unaffiliated faction of the SPLM-N has clashed with both since the war broke out.

In recent days, the army and the SPLM-N have accused each other of launching attacks and targeting civilians in an attempt to capture territory.

The UN warned the escalating violence would only worsen the already dire humanitarian situation, with millions cut off from life-saving aid.

"The consequences of food insecurity are already being felt in parts of South Kordofan, where families are surviving on dangerously limited food supplies, and malnutrition rates are rising sharply," Thursday's statement said.

Around half a million people are currently on the brink of famine in South Kordofan and Blue Nile, according to the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification.

The UN-backed assessment has already declared famine in parts of the Nuba Mountains, where SPLM-N maintains a foothold.

Across the country, fighting since April 2023 has killed tens of thousands, uprooted 12 million and pushed nearly 26 million people into acute food insecurity.

Kenya urges 'immediate ceasefire' at summit on DRC conflict
Dar Es Salaam (AFP) Feb 8, 2025 - Kenyan President William Ruto urged all armed forces in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo to cease hostilities as regional leaders met in Tanzania for a peace summit on Saturday.

"We call on all parties to actualise the ceasefire, and specifically on the M23 to halt further advancement and the armed forces of DRC to cease all retaliatory measures," said Ruto, who is current chair of the East African Community.

"An immediate ceasefire is the only way by which we can create necessary conditions for constructive dialogue and implementation of a comprehensive peace agreement," he added.

The Rwanda-backed M23 armed group has rapidly seized swathes of territory in the mineral-rich eastern DRC in an offensive that has left thousands dead and displaced vast numbers.

Rwandan President Paul Kagame and his Congolese counterpart, Felix Tshisekedi, have both joined the talks in Tanzania, bringing together the eight countries of the East African Community and 16-member South African Development Community.

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