Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, leader of Sudan’s RSF, accused Egypt of conducting air strikes on his forces using U.S. bombs, which Egypt has denied. The SAF has gained an advantage in the conflict that began in April 2023, leading to massive displacement. Accusations of foreign interference and human rights violations complicate the situation further as mediation efforts continue.
The leader of Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF), Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo—commonly referred to as Hemedti—has leveled accusations against Egypt for allegedly participating in air strikes targeting his paramilitary group. Dagalo stated that these operations utilize United States-sourced bombs in assaults near Jebel Moya, an area of strategic significance located south of Khartoum. In response, the Egyptian government has categorically dismissed these claims, asserting that their military is not engaged in the ongoing conflict in Sudan. In a video posted online, Dagalo expressed, “If the Americans were not in agreement, these bombs would not reach Sudan.” He branded Egypt as one of several nations intervening in the conflict, which he argues includes Iran. The Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), under the leadership of army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, have recently gained momentum in the fighting that erupted in April 2023, resulting in a humanitarian crisis displacing over 10 million people based on United Nations statistics. The RSF alleges that Egypt has not only conducted air strikes but has also trained and provided drones to the SAF. The Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has urged the international community to seek evidence substantiating Dagalo’s claims, emphasizing their disassociation from involvement in the war. As the SAF continues to advance in Khartoum and Sennar State, Dagalo claims that alleged Egyptian air strikes have hindered their operations in the vital Jebel Moya location. Furthermore, he has alleged the presence of mercenaries from several nations within the conflict, notably Tigray, Eritrea, Azerbaijan, and Ukraine. Compounding the complexity of the situation, the RSF has faced accusations of committing ethnically motivated violence and human rights abuses, including crimes against humanity and sexual violence. Conversely, rights organizations have also criticized the SAF for indiscriminately attacking civilians and obstructing humanitarian assistance. In efforts towards a resolution, Egypt has facilitated dialogues between conflicting political factions alongside mediations involving the United States and Saudi Arabia. Despite these efforts, Dagalo remarked pessimistically regarding the conflict’s duration, stating, “This war will not end in one or two, three, four years.” Additionally, external actors such as the United Arab Emirates have faced scrutiny for their involvement, including allegations of supplying arms to the RSF. While the UAE refutes these claims, previous United Nations reports have indicated credible evidence of their arms transfers to the RSF on a regular basis.
The ongoing conflict in Sudan, stemming from a power struggle between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces, has escalated since April 2023. This conflict has resulted in immense humanitarian turmoil, including the displacement of millions of people. Various countries, including Egypt, the United States, and Saudi Arabia, have engaged in diplomatic efforts to mediate the crisis; however, allegations of involvement from external states have proliferated. The RSF, led by Dagalo, has accused several nations of participating in military actions against them, thereby intensifying the already volatile situation.
In summary, the allegations made by the leader of the RSF against Egypt regarding air strikes underscore the complexities of the ongoing conflict in Sudan. As both sides continue to position themselves politically and militarily, the humanitarian crises exacerbated by this struggle remain dire, with millions affected. The international community’s role in mediating and addressing these accusations will be crucial in seeking a resolution to the conflict.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
