Accusations of Egyptian Involvement in Sudan’s Civil War by RSF Leader
The chief of Sudan’s RSF, Mohamed Dagalo, accused Egypt of conducting airstrikes against his forces in Sudan’s civil war, a claim Egypt rejected as part of its efforts to end the conflict. Dagalo alleged Egyptian support for the Sudanese army and implicated other foreign actors. The situation continues to deteriorate with the ongoing humanitarian crisis and international sanctions being enforced.
The commander of Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF), Mohamed Dagalo, commonly referred to as Hemedti, has publicly accused Egypt of direct involvement in the ongoing civil war in Sudan, alleging that Egyptian military forces have executed airstrikes targeting RSF troops. In a video message shared on X, Dagalo described the deaths of RSF soldiers due to the supposed strikes as “treacherously martyred” by Egyptian aircraft. He further asserted that Egypt is providing military support to the Sudanese Army (SAF), including the training and arming with drones, and claimed that these operations utilize U.S.-made weapons, inferring American complicity given the nature of the arms supplied. Dagalo indicated that the alleged air raids by the Egyptian Air Force occurred in key combat zones such as the capital city, Khartoum, and the southeastern city of Sennar. The accusations mark a significant escalation in the conflict narrative, being the first of their kind directed at Egypt since the commencement of the civil strife in April 2023, a conflict triggered by unresolved tensions regarding a transition to civilian governance. In response, Egyptian officials categorically refuted the allegations. The Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement emphasizing that the assertions by Dagalo are unfounded and are contrary to Egypt’s efforts aimed at halting the ongoing violence and providing humanitarian assistance to those affected by the war. Furthermore, Dagalo implicated other external forces, claiming that Iran and mercenaries from various countries, including Ukraine, Tigray, and Azerbaijan, are also participating in support of the Sudanese army. In related developments, recent U.S. sanctions were placed on senior RSF leader Algoney Hamdan Daglo Musa for his role in facilitating weapon acquisitions that have enabled RSF operations, which have included advances into strategically significant regions such as El Fasher in North Darfur. As hostilities continue with no resolution in sight, the humanitarian crisis in Sudan has been marked by a substantial increase in displacement and protection challenges, recognized as one of the most severe in contemporary narratives by the United Nations.
The civil war in Sudan, which erupted in April 2023, follows extended tensions and disputes regarding a transition to civilian rule following years of military governance. The conflict predominantly involves confrontations between the Sudanese army and the RSF, with both sides seeking territorial control amidst an increasingly dire humanitarian situation. The region has become a focal point for various external influences and alleged interveners, leading to complex geopolitical implications, particularly concerning neighboring countries such as Egypt, which has significant interests in Sudan due to their shared borders and historical ties. Egypt’s denial and Dagalo’s accusations illustrate the fraught relationships within the region’s power dynamics, particularly in the context of international arms and military support.
In conclusion, the accusations made by RSF leader Mohamed Dagalo against Egypt highlight the escalating complexity of the Sudanese civil war, revealing potential regional entanglements and geopolitical maneuvering. The swift denial by Cairo underscores the tensions and intricacies of the conflict, which features multiple actors and underscores significant humanitarian implications. Given the current state of warfare, the situation continues to demand international attention and intervention as the humanitarian crisis worsens and the conflict shows no signs of abating.
Original Source: abcnews.go.com
