Al-Yurae – (Al-Quds Al-Arabi) — As the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) announced full control of the city of Babnousa in West Kordofan and the headquarters of the Sudanese army’s 22nd Infantry Division, Sovereign Council Chairman General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan delivered a speech calling for a return to Sudan’s old independence flag while making no mention of the fall of the strategic city.
On Monday, al-Burhan reiterated that any political initiative or settlement that does not include the dismantling and disarmament of the RSF which he labeled a “rebel militia” — remains “completely unacceptable,” emphasizing that this stance reflects a “firm conviction” within the country’s leadership.
Al-Burhan, who is currently in Port Sudan, made his remarks during a memorial ceremony for members of the Sudan Liberation Movement (SLM) who were killed in the conflict raging since mid-April 2023. He stated that the available options had become “limited,” citing the “scale of bloodshed and suffering” across vast areas of the country, particularly in the Darfur region and its historic capital, El Fasher.
He stressed that “the only solution is the elimination of the militia,” pledging justice for what he described as “killers and criminals,” and affirming that it is the state’s duty to uphold the rights of those who have sacrificed their lives.
Extending an invitation to those willing to join the fight against the RSF, al-Burhan declared: “You are welcome to help eradicate the terrorist rebel militia.”
The Sovereign Council chairman also acknowledged the role of Sudan Liberation Movement (SLM) leader and Darfur governor, Minni Arko Minnawi, who is leading battles in western states. He expressed appreciation for the joint forces of armed movements supporting the army in what he called their “fight for Sudan and the suffering of its people.”
Al-Burhan emphasized the need for cooperation and solidarity “to eliminate the militia,” and welcomed displaced families arriving from El Fasher and other areas recently overrun by RSF forces.
Call to Restore the Independence Flag
During the same address, al-Burhan proposed reinstating Sudan’s old independence flag, calling for the adoption of the three colors raised by the independence generation. He said the move would be part of a broader effort to “redefine the Sudanese state from the ground up and build a nation on the right foundations.”
The Sudanese independence flag designed by Sariyra Maki al-Sufi consisted of three equal horizontal stripes: blue on top, yellow in the middle, and green at the bottom. It was first raised on January 1, 1956, marking Sudan’s independence, and symbolized the Nile (blue), the desert (yellow), and agriculture (green), reflecting a cultural identity that blended African and Arab heritage.
On May 20, 1970, the Sudanese government adopted the current flag, which features three horizontal colors red, white, and black with a green triangle on the hoist side.
“Rebuilding the Sudanese State”
Al-Burhan’s remarks came as the Sudanese army regained control over several states, implementing increased security measures and maintenance work at civilian and government facilities damaged by military operations, as part of the government’s efforts to restore services and stability.
At a meeting of the Khartoum Security Coordination Committee on Monday, chaired by Executive Director Abdul Monem al-Bashir, authorities announced the launch of “security enforcement campaigns” to curb violations and “reinstate state authority,” particularly in southern sectors and marketplaces.
The campaign will regulate commercial activity within these markets, designate work zones, and issue identity cards for workers.
The meeting also approved the continuation of joint security patrols to combat “lawlessness in vulnerable areas,” enhance monitoring of vehicle movement at security checkpoints, and enforce compliance with rules governing truck movement, cargo transport, and nighttime curfews.
The committee discussed mechanisms to monitor and control public transport hubs to prevent the return of chaotic stops and examined the plan to fully resume operations at the Khartoum Central Terminal (known as Al-Mina al-Bari), a key bus depot connecting Sudanese states to the capital, to ease traffic congestion.
The committee further confirmed that neighborhood service committees are now fully formed and stressed their importance in developing security and service maps to support executive and law enforcement bodies and facilitate residents’ return to the capital.
Infrastructure and Service Restoration
Meanwhile, the Khartoum Water Authority announced the launch of the “Water Stability Initiative” aimed at rehabilitating the city’s water network, which suffered widespread destruction and looting during the conflict.
In central Sudan, the acting governor of Al-Jazira State, Engineer Abu Bakr Abdullah, said that major streets in the state capital, Wad Madani, will soon reopen, and confirmed that investment permits will be issued in line with official regulations.
He also announced the reopening of the emergency hospital and the installation of solar-powered streetlights, coinciding with the upcoming anniversary of the state’s liberation from RSF control on January 11.
The governor revealed the formation of a committee to document the state government’s completed projects, which exceed 4,000 across various sectors, commending local workers for their efforts to restore normal life and public services.
Adil Mohammed al-Hassan al-Khatib, the executive director of Greater Madani locality, said the area had suffered “systematic destruction and looting.” He noted that recent work focused on recovering waste collection vehicles, improving revenue streams, and identified key objectives for the next year including providing transport equipment, activating neighborhood markets, reopening municipal workshops, and coordinating with the Water Authority to repair damage to the network.
