aljazeera.com
Al-Burhan Vows to Eliminate RSF After Army Claims Victory in Khartoum
Sudan's army chief, Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, visited Khartoum's military headquarters, vowing to eliminate the RSF after claiming victory against them following a 20-month siege; at least 70 people were killed in an attack on a hospital in el-Fasher, allegedly by the RSF.
- What is the significance of al-Burhan's visit to the Khartoum headquarters and his subsequent statements regarding the conflict?
- Sudan's army chief, Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, visited Khartoum's military headquarters for the first time since the army claimed to end the RSF siege. He praised soldiers' resilience, vowed to eliminate the RSF, and confirmed ongoing operations in Omdurman, Bahri, and el-Fasher. The army's recapture of the headquarters last week, after a 20-month siege, signals a potential turning point in the war.
- What are the underlying causes of the escalating violence in Darfur, and what are the potential consequences of the RSF's ambition to establish its own government?
- Al-Burhan's visit and statements indicate a rejection of diplomatic solutions and a commitment to military victory. The army's recent territorial gains, including recapturing Wad Madani and parts of Khartoum, bolster this strategy. However, the reported ethnic killings following the recapture of Wad Madani and the attack on el-Fasher hospital raise serious concerns about human rights.
- What are the potential long-term implications of the ongoing conflict for Sudan's stability, considering the reported human rights violations and the RSF's strategic objectives?
- The conflict's trajectory hinges on the army's ability to sustain its military gains and address accusations of human rights abuses. The attack on el-Fasher hospital, killing at least 70, underscores the conflict's devastating humanitarian impact. The RSF's aim to establish a separate government in Darfur, mirroring Libya's situation, indicates a protracted and complex conflict.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The headline and introductory paragraphs emphasize the army's recapture of Khartoum and al-Burhan's declaration of total war against the RSF. This framing prioritizes the army's perspective and portrays their actions in a positive light, potentially influencing the reader's interpretation of the conflict's progress and the parties involved. The article's structure also prioritizes the army's claims over the RSF's denials, creating an imbalance in the presentation of information.
Language Bias
The article uses loaded language such as "eradicate" and "rebels" when describing the army's intentions towards the RSF. This choice of words presents the RSF in a negative and dehumanizing light, influencing the reader's perception of the group. The phrase "potential turning point" regarding the army's advance is also subtly biased, suggesting a particular outcome rather than presenting the situation neutrally. Neutral alternatives could include describing the army's advances factually, without using language suggestive of a decisive victory.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the Sudanese army's perspective and claims of victory, potentially omitting or downplaying the RSF's perspective and actions. The article mentions accusations against the RSF, but doesn't provide equal weight to potential counter-arguments or alternative narratives. The article also briefly mentions alleged ethnic killings by the military but doesn't delve into the details or offer diverse perspectives on these allegations. Omission of details regarding negotiations or peace efforts between warring factions beyond mentioning that Al-Burhan is not interested in diplomacy at this time.
False Dichotomy
The narrative presents a simplified dichotomy between the SAF and the RSF, portraying the conflict as a straightforward struggle for power, without fully exploring the complex political, ethnic, and economic factors driving the conflict. The framing ignores the possibility of multiple solutions beyond military victory.
Sustainable Development Goals
The ongoing conflict in Sudan, marked by violence, alleged ethnic killings, and attacks on hospitals, severely undermines peace, justice, and the functioning of state institutions. The refusal of the army chief to negotiate further exacerbates the situation.