Former Governor Explains Why AL-Fashir Would Not Succumb to Militias Attacks

Cairo-Azmi Abdel Raziq- Sudanhorizon

In an interview with Sudanhorizon, a former Vice President in the Sudan prior to the 2019 uprising that ended the rule of Omar Bashir, has argued that the regime at the time had listened to the voice of reason and wisdom, thus refrained from using brutal force which was in its position to quell the unrest, saying he personally was of the view that the party should rely on polling and elections if it wanted to compete in power in the country.

Osman Mohamed Yousef Kibir, the current acting chairman of the National Congress Shura Council and former vice president of Sudan and one of the longest serving governor in Darfur recent history, said he was personally convinced that the change that had happened was in fact a coup from within the security services.

Kibir added that there may have been a revolutionary mood and an uprising, but that was not what led to the fall of the regime. He revealed that he has been following this issue from the meetings the had been holding at the guest house since approximately mid-March.
‘’We have been meeting daily at the guest house with the president, his deputies and assistants, the ministers of interior and defense, and the director of the security service. ‘’he said.

He added, “The truth is that reason prevailed over emotion. If people had succumbed to emotion, a violent reaction could have occurred because the capabilities were available and at hand. However, confrontation was not everyone’s choice, lest blood be shed and the country become more precarious. This was the voice of reason, and that spirit has continued to this day. The party preferred to deal with matters wisely, as our people say, ‘A solution with the hand is better than the use of the sword.'”

He said that he was a supporter of that voice and that his conviction was that it was best for the National Congress Party to return to power through elections and with the approval of the Sudanese people.

He also argued that, based on knowledge and experience Al-Fashir’s legendary resilience would prevail in the face of the Rapid Support Forces militia’s attacks, was a reflection of the history of the town since its inception in the 19th century.
He said that the city had its own characteristics, the first of which was that it was originally established as the capital of a sultanate. The sultan was the one who established the city and built his palace. The city began to grow around the sultan’s palace, and therefore it did not arise like other cities in Darfur.

He added that society in Al-Fashir also had its own characteristics, because it grew around the sultan, not for trade or any other work. It originated as a cultural community with its own social and sultanic characteristics. This legacy has remained, and therefore, this is also an advantage.

The third advantage is that before Al Fashir became the headquarters of the current Sixth Division, it was the headquarters of the Western Military Region, responsible for all forces in Greater Darfur. Al-Fashir military history and heritage date back to around 1916 or 1918, when what was known as the Western Division was established there. In addition to this legacy, the majority of the forces that withdrew from various Darfur cities—whether from Geneina, Nyala, Kabkabiya, Kutum, or even Mellit—following the intensification of the militia attacks, headed to Al Fashir. There, they were rehabilitated and redeployed as part of city’s defense plans. They were joined by groups of joint forces and mobilized personnel, to the point that the entire city was virtually a cadre of fighters mobilized to defend the city.

“These combined elements explain Al-Fashir’s steadfastness. For my part, I ask God to provide them with support from Him, and I ask the state leadership and the armed forces leadership to find ways to support, although I am convinced that they are aware of this.”

He provided further explanation, saying that based on his knowledge and experience, he knew that AL-Fashir was important to the Rapid Support Forces militias from a geographical perspective, and that an attack on the north could occur from there because the distance is not far.

“I don’t have any information, but it is clear to me that the militias have now abandoned the idea of overthrowing Al Fashir and making it the capital of their parallel government. That’s why the attacks on it have decreased recently, and what remains are the siege and bombing, and the siege with the aim of starving it. That’s why the threat in Al Fashir is not security-related or military, despite the bombing that the citizens there have endured, and its results are ineffective. But the most effective and brutal weapon is starvation.”

Commenting on the increase in hate speech in the media, he said the increase of this phenomenon, described as hate speech, and the increase in the language of spreading discord and rivalry is primarily due to the unwise use of social media.

“While this phenomenon has, so far, been driven by individuals from one side or another, containing and treating it before it becomes intractable is the task of both the state and society. It must be prohibited and those responsible for its spread must be punished. The authorities must develop deterrent solutions to this phenomenon, which is essential, even if it involves legal action. However, before that, society is required to adopt programs to address this dangerous phenomenon, which we believe could lead to very serious problems if it is not contained early on.”

Regarding the transitional government, he expressed his hope that PM Dr. Kamil Idris would succeed despite the difficult and possible mission. He said the PM needs psychological, physical, and material preparation to help the country overcome this dangerous phase.

He expressed his belief that one of the important issues that must be prioritized is rebuilding individuals and society and revitalizing both, because the primary tool relied upon in the country’s reconstruction is the individual, whoever he may be. He added that the Prime Minister naturally needs to focus greatly on the external file, given its direct impact on the situation, despite the fact that the matter is essentially internal.

“Above all, the Prime Minister needs to create a suitable security environment that enables him to work to implement this program. If the security situation is unstable, he will not be able to implement any of it.” He underlined, adding ‘’he effective implementation of this program is crucial. Although the federal ministries are responsible for implementing this policy, I believe the states are more important. The situation in the states requires special attention and general consensus among all concerned parties.”

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