Ammar Hassan, the spokesperson for the Popular Resistance, which fights alongside the Sudanese army, shed light on the group’s recruitment process, weaponry sources, battle engagements, and plans.
In an exclusive interview with Radio Tamazuj in Khartoum, Hassan said the recruitment for the Popular Resistance is driven by “a deep-seated desire among Sudanese citizens to protect themselves, their dignity, and their property from militias.”
Question: Ammar, how does your Popular Resistance conduct its recruitment and mobilization?
Answer: Thank you Radio Tamazuj for the interview. Well, recruitment for the Popular Resistance is driven by a deep-seated desire among Sudanese citizens to protect themselves, their dignity, and their property from rebel militias. The concept of popular committees reflects this innate sentiment and the urgent need to defend against these threats.
The Popular Resistance aims to unite all Sudanese people and capable individuals to resist the atrocities committed by these militias. These groups have caused immense suffering, including persecution, internal displacement, and forced migration. They have also exploited Sudanese resources and subjected our people to humiliation.
Recruitment occurs through various channels. Initially, the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) oversees mobilization and readiness camps, responding to the call from Commander-in-Chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan. Recruitment is based on direct invitations and active participation from citizens, particularly young individuals capable of bearing arms. The Resistance was organized in Khartoum and other states across Sudan.
Q: Where do the weapons come from?
A: The Popular Resistance obtains its weaponry directly from the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF). Operating under SAF’s banner, the Resistance utilizes various brigades and individuals, receiving continuous weapon supplies as needed. It is important to note that the Popular Resistance does not possess its own arsenal but functions in tandem with SAF, serving a historical role in Sudan’s national security framework.
Q: Do members of the Popular Resistance receive military training?
A: Military training for Resistance members occurs in local neighborhoods, conducted by SAF officers, soldiers, and non-commissioned officers. Retired personnel and individuals with military experience also contribute to training efforts.
Q: There are accusations that the former regime used the Popular Resistance as a means to regain control of the country. How do you respond to that?
A: These accusations lack merit. Today, Sudanese citizens are joining the Resistance out of necessity, driven by the threat posed by rebel militias. The movement is a grassroots response, uniting people across political affiliations in defense of national dignity. Political divisions are fading as citizens, impacted by militia actions, unite to protect themselves, their property, and their dignity. The divide is now between those supporting the national effort, aligned with SAF, and those disconnected from the people, who have historically supported militias and received international backing to undermine Sudanese interests.
Q: What measures have you taken to prevent the Popular Resistance from becoming a political tool, as stated recently by Gen. Shams al-Deen al-Kabbashi?
A: Gen. Shams al-Deen al-Kabbashi’s remarks regarding the non-exploitation of the Popular Resistance are crucial and reflect a deep understanding of Sudanese realities. We fully accept and take these remarks seriously to ensure that the Popular Resistance remains a genuinely popular and inclusive movement, serving specific objectives rather than aligning with any particular political party or agenda. Our aim is to safeguard the integrity of the Popular Resistance and enable it to fulfill its founding purposes and goals.
It is important to note that the Popular Resistance does not operate independently but rather collaborates with our Armed Forces, participating in every battle alongside SAF.
Q: What battles has the Popular Resistance fought?
A: The Popular Resistance accompanies our Armed Forces in every battle, including engagements in Omdurman, the Sudanese Radio and TV Corporation, and Kordofan. We’ve witnessed remarkable resilience from our people in Babanusa in West Kordofan, as well as the readiness of the Popular Resistance in Sinnar, Al-Jazeera, and regions like Al-Fau and Managil, among others across Sudan. The Popular Resistance doesn’t initiate isolated actions but works in tandem with the Armed Forces.
Q: Why continue involving civilians in war through the Popular Resistance while the army retreats from bases like Nyala and Al-Jazeera?
A: The Army’s movements in war involve various dynamics, including victory, defeat, progress, and retreat, along with associated losses, gains, and sacrifices. We don’t enlist civilians in this conflict; rather, civilians volunteer themselves. We appreciate the Armed Forces’ efforts under these challenging circumstances.
Q: What plans are in place for disarming and rearming after the war?
A: The Armed Forces have devised numerous methods and mechanisms for regulating and organizing the arming and disarming process post-war. These measures ensure that weapons remain in trustworthy hands. In collaboration with the Armed Forces, the Popular Resistance has established frameworks, mechanisms, and procedures to safeguard Sudan’s national security in the future while achieving current objectives. We are committed to ensuring that the Popular Resistance meets Sudan’s national security needs both now and in the future, safeguarding the country’s stability and preventing future conflicts.
Q: How do you address concerns about the potential rise of new warlords governing parts of the country as fiefdoms amidst the Popular Resistance?
A: We have no concerns regarding the emergence of new warlords governing parts of the country as fiefdoms. Our primary focus is countering rebel militias and preventing them from establishing such fiefdoms. We staunchly oppose any project advocating for Sudan’s division or fragmentation based on ethnic, racial, or geographic lines. We will vigorously resist such efforts using all available means to safeguard the unity and integrity of Sudan and its people.
Q: Some advocate for managing the Popular Resistance on regional bases, at the locality level rather than nationally. How do you respond to these suggestions?
A: While the Popular Resistance operates at the local and state levels, these regions are interconnected, sharing common geography. Its activities extend to various areas requiring coordination, including arms and training operations, legal frameworks, and the interrelation between Sudanese states. Thus, effective coordination is essential, necessitating the presence of a coordinating body to manage tasks without undermining the crucial roles played by the Popular Resistance at the neighbourhood, city, locality, and state levels. This approach ultimately serves to integrate national efforts effectively.
Q: How is the Popular Resistance managed nationally, and who implements the directives issued?
A: Currently, there aren’t large centralized bodies established for this purpose. However, at the national, state, and grassroots levels, the Popular Resistance actively collaborates with our brave Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) to lead operations. This collaboration is based on assessments conducted in each region and military point where political battles occur.
At the national level, discussions are ongoing regarding the establishment of a coordinating body to enhance coordination efforts while respecting the roles of states, localities, and regions leading genuine popular resistance. This initiative enjoys full support and endorsement from the liberated Sudanese populace.