In a notable shift in the political rhetoric surrounding Sudan’s war, Eid al-Adha messages from leaders of the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) were less focused on military escalation and more centered on peace, stability, and the return of displaced civilians and refugees — the first such tonal change since the conflict erupted in April 2023. This year’s holiday statements reflected a relative softening in language after months dominated by threats and vows of military victory. Remarks from both sides emphasized security, national unity, and the humanitarian consequences of the war, amid mounting regional and international pressure for a political settlement to end fighting that has continued for more than three years. The statements came a day after comments by Gen. Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, head of Sudan’s Sovereignty Council and commander of the armed forces, who spoke of openness to peace and ending the war. Observers viewed the remarks as a partial shift in official rhetoric surrounding a conflict the United Nations has described as one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises. Speaking after Eid prayers in the city of Al-Metemma in Nile River State, al-Burhan said he hoped Sudan would soon enjoy “greater security, stability, and prosperity.” Although he reiterated calls for “cleansing the country of rebellion,” his speech focused more heavily on security, stability, and national unity than on direct military mobilization. In a similar tone, Sovereignty Council member and army Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Yasser al-Atta said Sudanese people were looking forward to “greater security, safety, and stability.” He extended greetings to Sudanese citizens at home and abroad, including refugees, and expressed hope for their swift return. While praising the armed forces and allied units and honoring fallen soldiers, al-Atta avoided the threats and inflammatory rhetoric that had characterized earlier speeches, saying only that “victory is near.” For his part, RSF commander Gen. Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, widely known as Hemedti, devoted much of his Eid address to themes of “peace, justice, and equal citizenship,” insisting Sudan’s future must be based on “a state that belongs to everyone.” He described the war as a historic struggle between the Islamist movement and what he called the “New Sudan” project, denying the conflict was about power or influence. Despite continued accusations of atrocities and war crimes by both sides, this year’s Eid rhetoric was notably less confrontational than in previous public appearances, reflecting growing concern over a worsening humanitarian crisis that has killed thousands and displaced millions since the war began.
