Making statements to the American-based Al-Hurra television channel, Burhan said that it was not possible for him to meet with Dagalu because he was leading an uprising that needed to be ended.
Pointing out that the rebels are using citizens as human shields, Burhan said, “There are no rebel forces outside the residential neighborhoods. The army can resolve the battle in a very short time, but we are working to protect the infrastructure and civilians. We see this as a matter of national responsibility.” he said.
Burhan said the army had taken control of all of Sudan, except for a few spots near Darfur in the west of the country.
IGAD solution initiative
The Intergovernmental Authority for Development in East Africa (IGAD) launched an initiative yesterday for the armed forces and a representative from the NGO to meet in Juba, the capital of South Sudan, to negotiate an extension of the ceasefire for another 72 hours.
Sudanese army commander Abdulfettah al-Burhan announced that he had accepted the initiative “in principle”.
HDK has not yet made a statement regarding the IGAD initiative.