Joint Force Reveals New Details About Battles in Kordofan
The official spokesperson for the Joint Force of the Armed Struggle Movements, Major Mutawakkil Ali Wakil Abuja, announced that their forces carried out qualitative field operations that resulted in the arrest of a number of foreign mercenaries, including elements affiliated with the state of South Sudan, in possession of evidence proving their direct involvement in fighting alongside the rebel militia.
Mutawakkil explained that these operations come within the framework of the ongoing battles being waged by the Joint Force in coordination with the Armed Forces, supporting forces, the Popular Resistance, and mobilized forces, within what he described as the “Battle of National Dignity” in the Kordofan region.
He considered the capture of the mercenaries further evidence of the militia’s reliance on foreign elements in its war against the Sudanese people, noting that this approach has been observed since the outbreak of the war in several areas, including the desert regions and North Darfur, constituting a blatant violation of Sudanese sovereignty and the provisions of international humanitarian law.
In a related context, the Joint Force expressed its deep concern regarding what it described as a grave crime committed by the militia: the recruitment and use of children in combat operations, in clear violation of international conventions and agreements concerning the protection of children during armed conflicts.
Mutawakkil confirmed that a number of these children had been apprehended and would be dealt with in accordance with applicable laws and humanitarian standards.
The official spokesperson affirmed that the Joint Force, along with the Armed Forces and supporting units, reiterates its full commitment to international humanitarian law and the protection of civilians, and to prosecuting all those proven to be involved in war crimes or violations against citizens.
Mutawakkil concluded by saying that these practices will not undermine the will of the Sudanese people, nor will they deter the national forces from continuing to fight until the militia is defeated, security and stability are restored, and a state of law and institutions is built, stressing that Sudan will remain resistant to mercenary activity and guardianship, by the will of its people and the unity of their ranks.