Sudan’s newly defense minister Gen Awad Mohamed Ahmed Ibin Auf has called on armed movements to participate in the National Dialogue for the sake of stability in Sudan.
He vowed to ensure safety of armed movements during and after their participation in the national dialogue.
In a press statement to Ashrooq network, Ibin Auf said the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) will never give in an inch of the land and that they will work very hard to repulse any aggression that threatens the security and safety of Sudanese territory. He pledged to continue with all plans and programs for the development of the army.
Ibin Auf further said he accepted his appointment to serve as defense minister during what he termed as an important stage of the country’s history.
The senior army officer praised President Omar al-Bashir for taking care of the army, saying he will build on the foundation laid down by his defense ministry predecessor Abdel-Rahim Mohamed Hussein.
He noted the ministry of defense is a prestigious institution that cannot be affected by the appointment or dismissal of a person, indicating that he would seek to preserve the legacy of former ministers.
Last week, al-Bashir appointed the new defense minister three days after proposing a two-month ceasefire with rebels fighting to overthrow his government.
Ibn Auf is a retired army general who once served as the head of Sudan’s military intelligence agency and later as ambassador to Oman.
He took his oath of office before al-Bashir in the presence of the Chief Justice and Minister of Presidential Affairs Salah al-Din Wansi.