Lieutenant General Yasir Al-Atta stated that Sudan has been warning South Sudan for two years about its nationals fighting with the RSF. He claimed mercenaries make up 65% of the RSF, expressing disappointment over the lack of action from Juba. Al-Atta condemned the RSF’s alleged atrocities and urged South Sudan to intervene to cease these activities.
On January 19, 2025, Lieutenant General Yasir Al-Atta, the Assistant Commander-in-Chief of the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), asserted that Sudan has been alerting South Sudan regarding its nationals’ involvement with the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) for the past two years. He mentioned that these South Sudanese mercenaries represent about 65% of the RSF’s forces.
During a speech at the Fourth Division headquarters in Ed Damazin, Al-Atta expressed disappointment over the insufficient actions taken by Juba in response to these warnings. He referred to Stephen Buoy, an opposition figure, as an example of those fighting alongside the RSF.
The general’s statements come amid rising violence against Sudanese refugees in South Sudan following the killing of South Sudanese individuals in Wad Madani, Sudan. This violence is reportedly linked to a purge of suspected RSF supporters subsequent to the army’s takeover in that region.
Al-Atta indicated that the RSF also comprises mercenaries from various countries, including Libya, Chad, Ethiopia, the Central African Republic, Colombia, and Syria, as well as elements from the Russian Wagner Group. He clarified that only about 5% of the RSF is comprised of original ‘Janjaweed’ leaders.
While expressing trust in President Salva Kiir, Al-Atta urged South Sudan’s media and security agencies to facilitate an end to the involvement of South Sudanese mercenaries with the RSF. He reassured that Sudan’s military leadership remains dedicated to enforcing the rule of law.
He condemned the RSF for alleged human rights abuses, including grave acts of violence against civilians, while urging against exaggeration of isolated incidents. Al-Atta expressed faith in the resilience of the Sudanese populace to navigate through the ongoing challenges despite perceived foreign support for the RSF.
The Sudan-South Sudan conflict has historical roots involving complex political dynamics and ethnic tensions. The involvement of mercenaries and foreign fighters has exacerbated the instability in the region. The RSF, which has emerged from former militias, has been a source of increased violence and instability in Sudan and neighboring South Sudan, raising concerns regarding human rights violations and the implications for regional peace.
In summary, Lieutenant General Yasir Al-Atta highlighted the ongoing concerns about South Sudanese nationals fighting with the RSF, asserting that their involvement is substantial. He called for greater accountability from South Sudanese authorities and emphasized the role of Sudan’s military leadership in addressing mercenary activities. The situation remains precarious, with rising violence and humanitarian concerns impacting civilians.
Original Source: sudantribune.com
