He added in his interview with ‘Sputnik’ on Monday that ‘there are details in these protocols that clarify joining, percentages in integration, merging, and demobilization, and so on. He continued, saying that the issue of any outbreak is regulated under an announced and signed agreement, with witnesses from many countries.’ Tower pointed out that he does not believe there will be confrontations or clashes between the two parties because the armed forces and joint forces are working side by side in a great harmony. Perhaps the results of the battles in Kordofan indicate this harmony and coherence. The military expert confirmed that the issue now is not about disputes or clashes, but about resolving the military battle with the Rapid Support Forces, which have become enemies to all. Their defeat is the priority, followed by completing the integration and arrangements.
Regarding the instructions issued by the General Commander from time to time, Tower explained that they are carried out in coordination and harmony, such as the withdrawal of armed manifestations from cities. These instructions were welcomed by both the armed forces and the armed movements. He concluded that there is not a single position now indicating disagreements, considering all such talk incorrect. What disproves this is the battles of Abu Qudud, Om Sumeima, and around it, as well as the battles of El Fasher, where all forces work with one spirit, unity, and seriousness to resolve the battle. The prevailing voice now is the voice of battle and achieving victory in it. Therefore, I do not expect any disturbances to occur, as people have fought battles of this magnitude.
Regarding compliance with the Armed Forces Law, Tower confirmed that the law is supreme, and even the integration, when it happens, will be under the Armed Forces Law. Although the integration has not been completed yet, coordination is ongoing, work is joint, and cooperation is very close, with no disagreement now. He concluded by saying that he does not believe any movement will refuse or rebel because their concern is to achieve integration and implement the security arrangements protocol. All he pointed out is the implementation of integration in the armed forces and other security agencies according to the security arrangements protocol.
The Justice and Equality Movement confirmed that it did not oppose the decision issued by the President regarding subjecting the supporting forces to the provisions of the Armed Forces Law, indicating that this step comes within organizing the status of military formations that emerged during the war and were not part of the official peace agreements, according to ‘Sudan News’ website. This clarification came from the movement’s official spokesman, Mohamed Zakaria, who denied the validity of what was circulated about the movement’s rejection of the decision, confirming that its position aligns with the current security phase requirements. Zakaria explained that the forces affiliated with the armed movements that signed are legitimate parties in the political process and have committed to the terms of the agreement, including the protocols for security arrangements that stipulate the integration of these forces into the Sudanese army, noting that the commitment to the agreement still exists, although the outbreak of war prevented the practical steps related to the integration process.
He pointed out that the forces of the armed movements that signed the peace agreement continue to fight alongside the Sudanese army and under its direct leadership, facing what he described as rebel militias, referring to the Rapid Support Forces, confirming that military coordination exists within the framework of defending the state and its institutions. In April 2023, violent and widespread clashes erupted between forces and the Rapid Support Forces in various areas in Sudan, with each party trying to control vital headquarters. Arab, African, and international parties mediated to ceasefire, but these mediations did not succeed in reaching a permanent ceasefire.
