Sudan's Vice President of the Sovereign Council Mohammad Hamdan Dagalo, known as Hemedti, announced Sunday his support for the ongoing political process between civilians and the military to end the crisis that hit the country more than a year ago.
Hemedti also strongly criticized the authorities’ handling of the opposition demonstrations, accusing them of suppressing opponents and closing bridges to hinder their passage.
Addressing a civil gathering in Khartoum, the Vice-President affirmed his support for the ongoing political settlement and everything that would maintain the rule of law and achieve security and stability in the country. He stressed the need to put an end to fighting and conflicts in Sudan.
He also expressed his support for the youth who are demonstrating in the streets demanding a change and civil rule.
“We support change and political settlement. We are with the youths, even those who insult us in the streets,” Hemedti said, referring to the resistance committees demanding the disbanding of the Rapid Support Forces.
Hemedti admitted that the situation in Sudan has worsened after October 2021 and that the circle of crises widened.
“The problems increased …. It is better for us to reach a solution,” he affirmed in a hint at the supporters of the regime of ousted President Omar al-Bashir who have re-emerged with a desire to return to power.
“Whoever attempts to take the country back to before 2019 is delusional. That cannot happen at all,” the Vice President added.
“We support a political solution and settlement because it secures equality between citizens. Those calling for a settlement are also calling for the development and stability of Sudan, therefore we support them,” he stressed.
Hemedti then called on the armed groups that declined calls to join the 2006 Juba peace accord, especially the Sudan People's Liberation Movement/North (SPLM-N) led by Abdel-Aziz al-Hilu and the Sudan Liberation Movement, led by Abdel Wahid al-Nur (SLM-AW), to stop their attacks on civilians, abide by the ceasefire and join the peace process.
Regarding the accusations leveled against him and the Rapid Support Forces of participating in local conflicts, Hemedti expressed his willingness to be held accountable and to meet the investigation committees.
