Burhan’s Deputy Warns of 'Imminent' Catastrophe for Sudan, Neighboring Countries

Malik Agar. (His Facebook page) 
Malik Agar. (His Facebook page) 
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Burhan’s Deputy Warns of 'Imminent' Catastrophe for Sudan, Neighboring Countries

Malik Agar. (His Facebook page) 
Malik Agar. (His Facebook page) 

The Sudan People's Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N) stated on its Facebook page that the ongoing situation will inevitably result in "massive destruction" for Sudan and neighboring countries.

The Movement emphasized that Deputy Head of the Sovereign Council, Malik Agar, is diligently working towards consolidating foreign and domestic initiatives through a credible dialogue, supported by facilitators of international and regional negotiations to attain peace and avert the impending collapse of Sudan.

The SPLM-N underscored the imperative need to enhance cooperation between Sudan and its immediate neighboring countries, with the aim of putting an end to the conflict and establishing a state of lasting peace and stability.

In May, Lieutenant General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, the commander of the Sudanese army, appointed Agar as a replacement for Hemedti.

Burhan made a televised speech on Tuesday announcing a ceasefire on the first day of Eid, while the Rapid Support Forces announced a truce.

"The conspiracy requires everyone to be awake and ready to respond to the existential threats to our country, and so we call on all the young men and who can defend to not hesitate to play this role, either from where he lives or by joining the armed forces," Burhan said during the speech.

Multiple ceasefires announced by both sides have been systematically violated, as well as others mediated by the United States and Saudi Arabia.

The UN refugee agency warned that conflict in Sudan would prompt 1 million people to flee across its borders in the next six months.

Witnesses told Reuters this month an increasing number of Sudanese civilians fleeing El Geneina, a city in Darfur hit by repeated attacks, have been killed or shot at as they tried to escape by foot to Chad.

Burhan who is also the head of the Sudan's ruling sovereign council blamed the RSF for the “war crimes” and “crimes against humanity” in the city.



Macron in Lebanon to Push Sovereignty, Reforms amid New Hope

French President Emmanuel Macron looks on during a bilateral meeting with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer at Chequers, near Aylesbury, Britain, January 9, 2025. REUTERS/Toby Melville/Pool
French President Emmanuel Macron looks on during a bilateral meeting with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer at Chequers, near Aylesbury, Britain, January 9, 2025. REUTERS/Toby Melville/Pool
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Macron in Lebanon to Push Sovereignty, Reforms amid New Hope

French President Emmanuel Macron looks on during a bilateral meeting with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer at Chequers, near Aylesbury, Britain, January 9, 2025. REUTERS/Toby Melville/Pool
French President Emmanuel Macron looks on during a bilateral meeting with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer at Chequers, near Aylesbury, Britain, January 9, 2025. REUTERS/Toby Melville/Pool

French President Emmanuel Macron arrived in Lebanon on Friday to help speed up the formation of a government that can quickly implement reforms and open the door to reconstruction following last year's war between Israel and Hezbollah.
Since a truce brokered by France and the United States in November, Paris has played a key role in helping break Lebanon's political deadlock, along with the United States and Saudi Arabia, that has now led to a new president and prime minister.
Lebanon's caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati received Macron upon arrival at Beirut airport. It was the French leader's first visit since 2020.
As a former French protectorate, Beirut has strong historical ties with Paris, but the relationship has been complicated in recent years, Reuters said.
Macron expended a great deal of political capital in 2020 in a failed effort to convince Lebanese actors to back political and financial reforms after the Beirut port explosion that killed more than 200 people and destroyed entire neighborhoods.
"In three months, we have helped Lebanon move from escalation to recovery, and to open a new page of hope," French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot, who will be in Lebanon with Macron, said in parliament during a debate on Middle East policy.
"With popular support, a broad internal consensus and international backing, the new Lebanese executive can act decisively to restore state sovereignty and rebuild Lebanon."
A French presidency source briefing reporters ahead of the trip said the objective was to underscore the importance of Lebanon's sovereignty, help it towards structural economic reforms that would restore international confidence, and ensure there is a united government able to push change.
Macron also spoke to Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman ahead of the visit. Paris has sought to get Riyadh to re-engage in Lebanon for months and the arrival of Joseph Aoun to the presidency and Nawaf Salam as prime minister has helped that process.
French officials said they were optimistic Saudi Arabia would provide financing and equipment to beef up the Lebanese Armed Forces.
The armed forces aim to strengthen across the country and take control of southern Lebanon as part of the 60-day truce plan that should see Israeli troops withdraw by the end of January.
"Macron is trying to bounce back on a file that he followed with great attention, but on which he got quite badly tangled," a Lebanese diplomat said.