Sudanese General Warns South Sudan about Mercenaries in RSF
Lieutenant General Yasir Al-Atta of the Sudanese Armed Forces reported that South Sudanese nationals comprise 65% of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and expressed disappointment in Juba’s inaction despite previous warnings. Recent violence against Sudanese refugees in South Sudan further complicates the situation. Al-Atta urged South Sudan’s media to intervene and highlighted the involvement of various foreign fighters within the RSF.
Today, Lieutenant General Yasir Al-Atta, Assistant Commander-in-Chief of the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), stated that the SAF has been alerting South Sudan of the involvement of South Sudanese fighters allied with the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) for over two years. During a speech at the army’s Fourth Division headquarters in Ed Damazin, he claimed that these mercenaries make up approximately 65% of the RSF’s personnel.
General Al-Atta emphasized that he has communicated with South Sudanese authorities about the issue, mentioning specific South Sudanese opposition figures engaging with the RSF, with a noteworthy example being Stephen Buoy. He expressed frustration over Juba’s inaction regarding the matter.
The general’s remarks coincided with reports of violence against Sudanese refugees and residents in Juba following the killing of South Sudanese individuals in Wad Madani, Sudan. This violence appears linked to a crackdown on suspected RSF affiliates after the army’s takeover of the town.
Al-Atta indicated that the RSF includes foreign combatants from countries such as Libya, Chad, Ethiopia, the Central African Republic, Colombia, and Syria, alongside remnants of Russia’s Wagner Group. He asserted that the original leaders of the Janjaweed constitute only a small fraction of the RSF’s total strength.
Expressing confidence in South Sudanese President Salva Kiir, General Al-Atta urged the country’s media and security forces to take action against South Sudanese fighters in the RSF. He underscored that under the leadership of General Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan and General Shams El Din Kabashi, the Sudanese military remains dedicated to enforcing the law and tackling mercenary issues.
He condemned the brutal acts attributed to the RSF, which include grave human rights violations. While acknowledging the hardships faced by Sudanese citizens, he cautioned against amplifying isolated incidents.
Despite external support for the RSF, General Al-Atta expressed faith in the strength and fortitude of the Sudanese people, implying potential backing from the United Arab Emirates in these conflicts.
Recent developments in Sudan, particularly concerning the RSF and its connection with South Sudanese civilians, have raised alarm within the region. The SAF’s claims illustrate ongoing complexities as regional conflicts unfold, prompting major concerns regarding internal stability and international involvement in these intertwined crises.
Lieutenant General Yasir Al-Atta has raised significant concerns about South Sudanese participation in the RSF conflict and calls for action from Juba regarding these mercenaries. The turmoil resulting from violent incidents against Sudanese nationals only deepens the crisis. The SAF emphasizes its dedication to law enforcement and expresses confidence in the resilience of the Sudanese populace to overcome current challenges despite ongoing foreign interference.
Original Source: sudantribune.com
