February 23, 2016 (KHARTOUM) - President Omer al-Bahir Tuesday said the Sudanese troops participating in the Saudi-led “Decisive Storm” in Yemen has been commended for its distinguished performance.

TV footage showing Sudanese soldiers at a port in west Aden (Sky News Arabia)

Bashir, who addressed the handing over ceremony of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Tuesday, said the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) enjoys good reputation in the region, pointing the troops participating in the “Decisive Storm” were lauded for the effective participation and good performance.

Bashir also praised his army’s victories in Jebel Marra, stressing the presidency would continue its support for the SAF to enable it carry out its duties as required.

The Sudanese president instructed Darfur governors to maintain security and provide the necessary needs for the return of the IDP’s to their original villages following the recent clashes in Jebel Marra, saying the rebels have been defeated and security was restored in the area.

Since last January, the government forces launched a large scale offensive on the Sudan Liberation Movement - Abdel Wahid al-Nur (SLM-AW) positions in Jebel Marra. The fighting forced over 70,000 people to flee the area.

Bashir further SAF and the other regular forces in South Kordofan, Blue Nile and Darfur, saying they are defending the country and maintaining its security.

He said that the Sudanese advanced military industry has played a crucial role in the SAF’s operation across the country, lauding efforts of the outgoing Joint Chiefs of Staff.

The Sudanese president expressed confidence in the incoming Joint Chiefs of Staff, saying the move comes within SAF’s established tradition of transferring the leadership from one generation to another.

Earlier this month Bashir conducted a limited reshuffle in the top army posts.

During the ceremony, Bashir awarded several army generals the Order of the Two Niles (First Class) including the outgoing Chief of Staff General Mustafa Osman Obeid Salim, deputy Chief of Staff, General Ismail Breima Abdel-Samad, SAF’s inspector general Lieutenant General Ahmed Abdalla al-Naw and SAF’s financial director Lieutenant General Mohamed Osman al-Rikabi.

COMMITMENT FOR EXTERNAL PARTICIPATION



For his part, the new Chief of Staff Emad al-Din Adawi said the changes come in the context of the annual routine work, stressing he would continue to promote the work of SAF in all aspects.

Adawi underscored that he will implement the policies of the High Command with regard to SAF’s external participation and cooperation with friendly and brotherly nations, pointing to SAF’s participation in the “Decisive Storm” and the “North Thunder” military manoeuvres in Saudi Arabia.

Sudan participates with over 850 troops in the Saudi-led "Decisive Storm" against the Iranian-allied Houthi militants in Yemen.

Sudanese troops are also participating in the “North Thunder” military manoeuvres in Saudi Arabia among 20 other Arab and Islamic nations.

The Sudanese military participation in the military campaign in Yemen and the Islamic alliance reconciled Bashir’s regime with the Saudi government, and marked the divorce with Iran.

On Monday, multiple sources told Sudan Tribune that Saudi Arabia has granted five billion dollar military assistance to Sudan.

The military aid was announced to President Bashir by the Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir, during a short visit to Khartoum Monday, seemingly in return to his total political and military support to Saudi Arabia in the regional confrontation against Iran.

(ST)