Accusations of Egyptian Involvement in Sudan’s Civil War by RSF Chief

Conflicts Clara Montgomery October 12, 2024

Accusations of Egyptian Involvement in Sudan’s Civil War by RSF Chief

Mohamed Dagalo, commander of Sudan’s RSF paramilitary group, accused Egypt of conducting airstrikes against RSF troops in the ongoing Sudanese civil war. Egypt denied the allegations, stating its focus is on halting the conflict and providing humanitarian aid. Dagalo further implicated Iran and various foreign mercenaries in the conflict, while the U.S. imposed sanctions on an RSF leader amid worsening humanitarian conditions in Sudan.

The chief of Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF), Mohamed Dagalo, commonly known as Hemedti, accused Egypt of actively participating in the ongoing civil conflict within Sudan. In a video message disseminated via his official social media platforms, Dagalo alleged that Egyptian military forces have executed aerial assaults against RSF troops. Expressing his grievances, he characterized the loss of RSF soldiers in these strikes as a “treacherous martyrdom.” During the extended 39-minute address, Dagalo asserted that Egypt is not only conducting airstrikes but is also allegedly providing training and equipping the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) with drones, utilizing American-manufactured arms in these operations. Dagalo articulated that the involvement of the United States is evident, suggesting that these munitions would not reach Sudan without U.S. concurrence. He specified that the strikes have occurred in several locations, including Sudan’s capital, Khartoum, and the city of Sennar, where the Sudanese army has reported significant territorial advances following intense confrontations. This allegation marks the first public indictment directed at Egypt since the outbreak of the civil war in April 2023, which was catalyzed by preceding tensions over efforts to transition Sudan to a civilian-led government. The Egyptian government has categorically refuted Dagalo’s claims, asserting through its Ministry of Foreign Affairs that such accusations are unfounded and arise amidst Egypt’s endeavors to mitigate the conflict and advocate for humanitarian assistance for civilians impacted by the war. In addition to alleging Egyptian involvement, Dagalo also implicated Iran as a participant in the civil strife alongside the Sudanese army. He claimed the presence of foreign mercenaries from various regions, including Ukraine, the Tigray region, Eritrea, and Azerbaijan, further complicating the multifaceted conflict. Recent developments in international relations include the United States imposing new sanctions on a senior RSF leader, Algoney Hamdan Daglo Musa, as a response to his role in facilitating arms procurement for the RSF’s military campaigns, notably the assault on El Fasher in North Darfur. These sanctions coincide with a period of intensified hostilities between the conflicting parties as previous ceasefire negotiations have not yielded tangible progress. Humanitarian entities have reported a drastic deterioration in the humanitarian landscape, with the United Nations identifying the conflict as instigating “the largest displacement and protection crisis of our time.”

The context of this article revolves around the civil war in Sudan, which began in April 2023 due to escalating tensions regarding the transition to civilian governance. The RSF, a paramilitary group, has been engaged in conflict against the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF). This recent conflict has drawn international attention as various stakeholders, including nations and non-state actors, become implicated in the violence. The allegations leveled by RSF Chief Dagalo against Egypt highlight the complexities and international dimensions of the conflict, suggesting external intervention and involvement that may exacerbate the humanitarian crisis in the region.

In summary, the accusations made by RSF Chief Mohamed Dagalo against Egypt regarding its involvement in Sudan’s civil war underscore the intricate dynamics of the conflict and the potential for regional escalation. As Sudan faces worsening humanitarian conditions and an increase in displacements, the international community is urged to scrutinize the situation meticulously. The denial from Egypt, alongside ongoing U.S. sanctions against RSF leaders, reflects the complex interplay of local and international politics in responding to the Sudanese crisis. Immediate attention is required to mitigate the humanitarian repercussions of the conflict and to facilitate a viable resolution to the fighting.

Original Source: abcnews.go.com