Sudan Ex-Soldiers To Re-enlist As Crisis Heightens
Afimag.com –
Sudan’s army has called on the country’s reservists and retired soldiers to re-enlist amid a deadly conflict with a rival paramilitary.
The army who made the call on May 26, 2023, also asked the United Nations to change its envoy to the country.
While directing the former soldiers to avail themselves at their nearest military base, the army authorities said the call is aimed at strengthening the army in its fight against the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) paramilitary.
Africa Investigative Magazine gathered that sporadic fighting has continued throughout the week, though the ceasefire agents, Saudi Arabia and the United States said earlier that compliance was improving, and that the army moves may lead to speeding up for a long conflict.
According to an army spokesperson, the enlistment would be voluntary, adding that Sudan’s existing armed forces law allowed the retired soldiers remain as reservists, eligible for compulsory re-enlistment.
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It also stated that the reenlistment does not include those who only did Sudan’s mandatory two-year military service.
The Army leader, Abdel-Fatteh al-Burhan wrote to U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on May 26, 2023, asking him to replace his envoy Volker Perthes, sources in the Sudanese presidency said.
The sources did not give details but Perthes, who was appointed in 2021, had pushed a political transition to civilian rule that some in the army opposed.
“The Secretary-General is shocked by the letter,” U.N. spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said on Friday. “The Secretary-General is proud of the work done by Volker Perthes and reaffirms his full confidence in his Special Representative.”
Army sources said the military had also intercepted weapons smuggled into a Red Sea province of Sudan by a foreign country, without giving details.
The army and RSF began a seven-day truce on Monday intended to allow access to aid and services after battles since mid-April that have killed hundreds and created a refugee crisis.
Despite a drop in fighting, there have still been reports throughout the week of clashes, artillery fire and air strikes.
Saudi and U.S. representatives “cautioned the parties against further violations and implored them to improve respect for the ceasefire on May 25, which they did,” it added.
Residents of Khartoum who have stayed in the city suffer from breakdowns of electricity, water, health and communication services.
Many homes, particularly in well-off areas, have been looted, along with food stores, flour mills and other essential facilities.
“It’s all part of the chaos of this war,” said Taysir Abdelrahim, who found out from abroad her home was looted. Even if we were in Sudan there’s nothing you can do about it.”