Sudan Warlord Accuses Egypt of Targeting RSF Troops Amid Ongoing Conflict

Lt-Gen Mohamed Hamdan Daglo, leader of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), accuses Egypt of airstrikes against his forces, escalating tensions in the 18-month conflict with the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF). The Egyptian government denies these allegations, asserting its commitment to ending the war and providing humanitarian assistance. Amidst the humanitarian crisis, negotiations for peace have largely failed, leaving Sudan in a precarious position.

The ongoing conflict in Sudan has taken a new turn as Lt-Gen Mohamed Hamdan Daglo, commonly known as Hemedti, the leader of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), has accused Egypt of conducting airstrikes against his troops. This assertion potentially implicates Cairo in the 18-month-long conflict that has claimed approximately 18,000 lives and displaced over 11 million individuals since hostilities began in April 2023. Traditionally, the RSF has been accused of receiving support from the United Arab Emirates, however, recent developments indicate a shift in focus towards Egypt. In a speech delivered on Wednesday, Hemedti accused Cairo of bolstering the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) through training and drone supplies, which he claims have enabled the military to secure recent ground victories. He stated, “We have been silent for a long time and hoped they would awaken, but they are persistent in the battle.” In contrast, the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has categorically denied these allegations, describing them as unfounded. The ministry asserted that Egypt is committed to facilitating an end to the conflict, safeguarding civilians, and enhancing humanitarian aid efforts for those affected by the ongoing strife. Egypt has historically aligned itself with the Sudanese military during periods of stability. Prior to the conflict, Egyptian troops were stationed in northern Sudan and were momentarily captured by the RSF, before being released through diplomatic negotiations. Since the onset of hostilities, Egypt has attempted to mediate a ceasefire, though such efforts have not yielded meaningful results. The Egyptian government reiterated its commitment to Sudanese stability, emphasizing its dedication to supporting its neighbor in addressing the catastrophic consequences caused by the conflict. Concurrently, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi engaged in diplomatic discussions with Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki to foster relations and address regional issues, including the situation in Sudan. Hemedti’s remarks have ignited significant discourse regarding his actions in the conflict and raised questions about the integrity of various factions involved. The UAE, which has also faced allegations of aiding the RSF, insists that its objective is to facilitate peace. Sudanese Finance Minister Jibrili Ibrahim criticized Hemedti’s speech, labeling it a lamentation of his failures in the conflict stating, “The speech of the Rapid Support Forces commander is practically a eulogy for his adventure in Sudan, an announcement of his defeat, and an attempt to absolve himself from the crimes of his forces.” The humanitarian crisis in Sudan has escalated dramatically, with millions displaced, severely damaged infrastructure, and widespread disease outbreaks due to lack of medical resources. Despite international attempts to provide humanitarian assistance, access to the most affected regions remains perilously limited due to ongoing violent conditions. Recent negotiations mediated by the United States have failed to yield productive outcomes, with both factions only expressing intentions to better facilitate humanitarian access. As tensions rise and accusations proliferate among the warring factions, many analysts are questioning the efficacy of international interventions to resolve this devastating conflict. If the current trajectory continues, Sudan faces an alarming potential for further disintegration into chaos. There remains a hope that diplomatic efforts, both regional and global, may succeed in curtailing the violence before the country reaches an irreparable state of fragmentation.

The Sudan conflict, which erupted in April 2023, primarily involves a power struggle between the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF). The war has resulted in a staggering humanitarian crisis, with millions displaced and thousands dead. The allegations of foreign intervention, particularly the accusations leveled against Egypt and the UAE, suggest a complex regional involvement in Sudan’s internal strife. Diplomatic efforts by neighboring countries and international entities aim to broker a ceasefire, yet these efforts have struggled to make headway against the backdrop of escalating violence and humanitarian needs.

In conclusion, Lt-Gen Hemedti’s allegations against Egypt bring to light the intertwining of regional politics within the Sudanese conflict. While Egypt denies any involvement in aggression against RSF troops and claims to prioritize humanitarian support and conflict resolution, the war continues to ravage Sudan, necessitating urgent global attention and effective diplomatic interventions to avert total collapse.

Original Source: www.theeastafrican.co.ke