Abdul Wahid al Nur to Asharq Al-Awsat: Juba Agreement Deepens Crisis

Abdul Wahid al Nur and Sudanese Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok in Paris. (French Foreign Ministry via Twitter)
Abdul Wahid al Nur and Sudanese Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok in Paris. (French Foreign Ministry via Twitter)
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Abdul Wahid al Nur to Asharq Al-Awsat: Juba Agreement Deepens Crisis

Abdul Wahid al Nur and Sudanese Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok in Paris. (French Foreign Ministry via Twitter)
Abdul Wahid al Nur and Sudanese Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok in Paris. (French Foreign Ministry via Twitter)

Head of the Sudan Liberation Movement/Army Abdul Wahid al Nur said that the peace deal that was signed in Juba on Saturday between the power-sharing government and several armed groups will only deepen the country’s crisis, not solve it.

In remarks to Asharq Al-Awsat, he stated that the deal “divided quotas” and does not address the root of the crisis.

The government, he revealed, tried hard to involve him in the peace negotiations, but his movement refused to take part in talks that were being carried in the same way that was adopted by the ousted regime.

Speaking from his residence in Paris, Abdul Wahid said his movement had an alternative initiative that is based on involving all segments of Sudanese society. He revealed that he will return to Sudan soon in order to launch it.

He explained that he wanted to return to his home country sooner, but the plan was delayed due to the novel coronavirus pandemic.

The Sudan Liberation Movement/Army and Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North led by Abdelaziz al-Hilu are the country’s largest armed groups. As opposed to other movements, they enjoy bases and forces on the ground.

Hilu’s movement had not participated in initial peace negotiations, but agreed last month to join new talks hosted by South Sudan. The movement signed a preliminary agreement with the government to launch negotiations in the future that would tackle separating religion from the state and allowing the residents of the Blue Nile and South Kordofan regions, where Hilu’s movement holds sway, to determine their fate.

Abdul Wahid’s movement has yet to agree to hold any negotiations with the government.

“I do not want a position or to become an ambassador or minister. We only want sustainable peace that addresses the core of the problem,” he told Asharq Al-Awsat.

“The military and civilian leaderships kidnapped the revolution and imposed a status quo, which we oppose, on us,” he added.

“We want to hold dialogue with all segments of Sudanese society to identify the roots of the decades-long crisis,” he continued.

“Negotiations between the government and opposition always end with the division of power. This is at the heart of Sudan’s crisis and not a solution to it,” Abdul Wahid stressed.

He accused the regime of ousted leader Omar al-Bashir of arming militias in Darfur and other disputed regions. These militias, known as Janjaweed, have only brought death and corruption. Moreover, he said his movement believes that Sudan was controlled by the army for five decades. This military killed the Sudanese people in the South after they chose independence. It also committed genocide in Darfur and the Blue Nile region.

In order for lasting peace to prevail, security must be imposed throughout the country and all militias and tribes that were armed by the former regime must lay down their weapons, demanded Abdul Wahid.

Furthermore, tribes in Darfur that were victims of genocide and racial cleansing by the former regime and that have been expelled from their territories must be allowed back, he continued. People who have settled in lands that were vacated by force must leave. These tribes must be compensated and the war criminals must be brought to justice.

“These are not conditions, but rights,” declared Abdul Wahid.

Bashir and members of his regime are wanted by the International Criminal Court over their crimes in Darfur.

“We must address the reasons that prompted people to take up arms,” continued Abdul Wahid. “We must ask ourselves why our country, which has vast agricultural lands and water resources, is now suffering from famine?”

“It is important for the Sudanese people to determine the problems in our economy and come up with solutions,” he urged. “We must also come up with a way to manage the diversity of religions and cultures so that we can build a united country where all people are equal. We must recognize that we have failed in this regard.”

In contrast to Hilu’s movement, Abdul Wahid’ movement is committed to a united Sudan and does not want independence in disputed regions.

“Darfur makes up more than half of Sudan. We have no better alternative to it, so how can it be allowed to determine its fate?” he asked. “We want to eliminate the reasons that prompt people to think about breaking away from the country.”



Yemen Defense Minister: Houthi Attacks May Persist Even After Gaza War Ends

Yemeni Defense Minister Lt. Gen. Mohsen al-Daeri (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Yemeni Defense Minister Lt. Gen. Mohsen al-Daeri (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Yemen Defense Minister: Houthi Attacks May Persist Even After Gaza War Ends

Yemeni Defense Minister Lt. Gen. Mohsen al-Daeri (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Yemeni Defense Minister Lt. Gen. Mohsen al-Daeri (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Yemen’s Defense Minister, Lt. Gen. Mohsen al-Daeri, does not expect Houthi attacks on ships in the Red Sea and Arabian Sea to stop even if the Gaza war ends. He also warns of rising tensions in the region, which could lead to a major conflict.

Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat, al-Daeri affirmed close coordination between Yemeni forces and the Saudi-led Arab Coalition. He praised Saudi Arabia’s key role in the coalition, highlighting its continuous support for Yemen.

Al-Daeri said there has been significant progress in unifying government-aligned military forces, with committees set up by the Presidential Leadership Council (PLC) establishing a joint operations authority.

Despite challenges, he remains optimistic that these efforts will help unify the military command against the common enemy — Yemen’s Houthi militias.

Al-Daeri warned that Houthi attacks on international shipping in the Red Sea are a serious threat to Yemen and the region. He noted that the Houthis are using these attacks to distract from their internal problems and are trying to capitalize on Yemeni sympathy for Palestine by claiming support for Gaza.

He added that the Houthis are unlikely to stop targeting international shipping, even if the Gaza war ends, and are constantly seeking new alliances with terrorist groups to strengthen their position.

Al-Daeri, accused Iran of fueling instability in Yemen by supporting Houthi militias for years, smuggling weapons and military experts to spread chaos without regard for regional stability.

On US relations, Al-Daeri said ties are good but military cooperation remains limited. He noted that US military aid, suspended in 2014, has not yet returned to previous levels.

Al-Daeri said his visit to Saudi Arabia was part of ongoing coordination with the Joint Operations Command and the Saudi Ministry of Defense to strengthen defense cooperation between the two countries.

During his “productive” visit, Al-Daeri met with several military leaders, congratulated the new commander of the Joint Operations, Lt. Gen. Fahd Al-Salman, and held talks with officials from the Saudi Ministry of Defense and the Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition.

Al-Daeri emphasized the strong defense cooperation with Saudi Arabia, particularly during Yemen’s war in recent years.

He noted that the high level of coordination with Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and other Arab Coalition members has significantly improved regional military readiness.

Al-Daeri said relations with Saudi Arabia are growing stronger, with both countries working closely together to fulfill their missions in the region.

He described defense cooperation as being at its peak, praising Saudi Arabia’s leadership in the Arab Coalition.

“Saudi Arabia has always provided full support—military, financial, and moral. As the region’s strongest power, they have supported Yemen not just with resources, but also with strategic expertise and by fighting alongside us, even sacrificing their lives for our cause,” Al-Daeri told Asharq Al-Awsat.

He said Houthi militias have taken advantage of the ceasefire and the Saudi-led initiative, which later became a UN effort, to conduct hostile activities and assert their presence.

He referred to the Houthis’ actions as creating a “massive prison” for millions of Yemenis who do not want to live in their controlled areas.

Al-Daeri, described the situation in the region as dangerous, pointing to recent events in Gaza and Lebanon as signs of increasing tensions. He warned of the risk of an unprecedented regional war due to the rising violence and conflicts.

“What is happening is very alarming, especially with the recent events, including terrorist militias in Yemen, the unacceptable violence in Gaza over the past year, and the situation in southern Lebanon. This all signals the risk of an unusual war,” said al-Daeri.

Regarding potential outcomes, al-Daeri noted that Yemeni forces are ready for both war and peace. He acknowledged significant efforts to achieve peace but warned that renewed conflict could occur at any moment. He also pointed out ongoing provocations from Houthis, which continue to lead to casualties.

"We are ready for all options and have comprehensive strategic plans for deploying our forces. The past two years have seen a ceasefire, and the Arab Coalition is making significant efforts to achieve peace rather than resorting to war. However, this does not mean that conflict won’t resume; it could restart at any time,” explained al-Daeri.

“Despite the ceasefire and the presence of our forces, the legitimate troops have not fired back, yet the militias provoke us daily, resulting in casualties,” he added.

“Patience is a key quality of the legitimate authority in Yemen, led by Dr. Rashad Al-Alimi, the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, and his colleagues in the Presidential Leadership Council. This patience reflects our readiness for the moment of truth, whether for peace or war—we are prepared,” asserted al-Daeri.