IF YOU CAN NOT DEFEAT YOUR OPPENENT ON THE BATTLEFIELD TALK TO HIM

Obviously the series of Ethiopian assaults on the Sudanese Eastern borders will escalate the tension and implications, hence leading to tarnishing the model bilateral relations between the two countries.
I believe that, up to this moment, the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) exercised maximum restraint to avoid direct confrontation with Ethiopian army; but the policy of self-control will not last forever. Alfashga bordering area with Ethiopia in Gedarif state is not a disputed area as it is recognized by Ethiopia itself as a Sudanese territory, so there no justification for Addis Ababa incursion on Alfashga agricultural lands.
We do appreciate the role played Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed during his mediation between change partners in Sudan i.e. FFC and TMC; yet his efforts with AU managed to bridge the gap and made the two sides sign final deal which created the face of new transition civilian-military government as first pro-Al-Bashir government.
Again the issue of SAF is Redline as our national institution losing of one soldier is Sudan’s lost.
The Ethiopian side needs to review the situation politically and militarily as SAF will not turn blind eyes to any attack targeting borders of the country.
The good neighborhood relations of Sudan and all neighboring countries are through balanced foreign relations based on mutual respect and non-intervention others’ internal affairs.
That is why the silence of SAF must not misunderstood or underestimated. It is the silence is wisdom to curb escalation as soldiers and officers know very well that war is a political not military decision, but only who see the atrocities and bitterness of war will engage when all options are expired.
If the current attack to Alfashga is a maneuver to change the focus from Great Ethiopia Renaissance Dam (GERD), then it is a big mistake as Sudan has clear stance on supporting Ethiopia to build its Dam without jeopardizing the rights of Sudan and Egypt of the Nile share of water. The Sudanese officials repeat tirelessly that the only way to resettle disputes is through dialogue and negotiations as no way for escalation from any side so it criticized Egypt’s step for referring the issue to the UNSC.
Again I appeal to Ethiopian leadership to take serious action not to test the patience of SAF which is soon or late lose its patience and counterattack any assaults from the Ethiopian side.
We all know that the cost of wars is very expensive as it will lead to claiming lives and properties let alone leading to fragility of security in the Horn of Africa.
Let us give peace chance instead of beating the drums of war.