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African Union Rejects External Interference in Sudan

Smoke is seen rising from Khartoum's skyline, Sudan, Sunday, April 16, 2023. (AP)
Smoke is seen rising from Khartoum's skyline, Sudan, Sunday, April 16, 2023. (AP)
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African Union Rejects External Interference in Sudan

Smoke is seen rising from Khartoum's skyline, Sudan, Sunday, April 16, 2023. (AP)
Smoke is seen rising from Khartoum's skyline, Sudan, Sunday, April 16, 2023. (AP)

The African Union's Peace and Security Council said on Sunday it strongly rejected any external interference that could complicate the situation in Sudan.

Sudan's army appeared to gain the upper hand on Sunday in a bloody power struggle with rival paramilitary forces after blasting its bases with air strikes, witnesses said, and at least 59 civilians were killed including three UN workers.

The fighting erupted on Saturday between army units loyal to General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, head of Sudan's transitional governing Sovereign Council, and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), led by General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, known as Hemedti, who is deputy head of the council.

It was the first such outbreak since both joined forces to oust president Omar Hassan al-Bashir in 2019 and was sparked by a disagreement over the integration of the RSF into the military as part of a transition towards civilian rule.

Saudi Arabia, the United States, China, Russia, Egypt, the UN Security Council and European Union have appealed for a quick end to the hostilities that threaten to worsen instability in an already volatile wider region.

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Syrian Defense Ministry to Restructure Army with Volunteer Force

The Syrian Defense Ministry holds meetings for faction integration. (Defense Ministry)
The Syrian Defense Ministry holds meetings for faction integration. (Defense Ministry)
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Syrian Defense Ministry to Restructure Army with Volunteer Force

The Syrian Defense Ministry holds meetings for faction integration. (Defense Ministry)
The Syrian Defense Ministry holds meetings for faction integration. (Defense Ministry)

Syria’s Defense Ministry has been holding meetings with military leaders to integrate factions into its structure. Sources say the ministry is focused on creating a volunteer army, replacing mandatory conscription.

The move follows an agreement between Defense Minister Murhaf Abu Qasra, Chief of Staff Maj. Gen. Ali Nour El-Din Al-Naasan, and most Syrian factions to restructure the Ministry of Defense.

Sources told Syria’s Al-Watan newspaper on Monday that officers from the “Free Syrian Army,” who defected from the former regime's military, will have a special status within the Ministry of Defense structure to leverage their expertise.

Syrian media reported that the ministry rejected proposals granting sectarian, religious, or regional privileges to armed factions. It also reached an agreement with National Army factions in northern Syria on joining the military.

The ministry noted that most factions from Sweida were willing to join a national army without regional quotas. However, some factions in Daraa suggested a special regional status for themselves.

Syria’s General Security Directorate announced on Sunday the release of a group of detainees in Homs, central Syria.

A source in the Homs security department said the detainees were released after confirming they did not possess weapons and had promised not to act against the new Syrian administration. They are required to appear when summoned if needed.

The source added that more detainees would be released once the necessary procedures are completed. The General Security Directorate continues efforts to maintain stability in the Homs province.

The Ministry of Interior, working with Syria's military operations, had launched a large-scale operation in Homs to find “war criminals and those involved in crimes” who refused to surrender weapons or attend reconciliation centers.