On October 9, 2024, RSF leader Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo accused Egypt of direct military support for the Sudanese army amid ongoing conflict. He announced plans to mobilize one million fighters and criticized foreign interventions while delineating his forces from groups involved in war crimes. The RSF faced a significant setback in recent battles, prompting a call for a strategic escalation.
On October 9, 2024, Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, widely recognized as Hemetti and the leader of Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF), accused Egypt of direct military involvement in Sudan’s ongoing conflict. In a video address, Hemetti disclosed that his forces have faced significant losses at Jabal Moya due to aerial assaults launched by Egyptian airpower. Following these events, he declared an escalation of hostilities and vowed to mobilize one million fighters as part of a new strategic initiative, termed “Plan B.” Hemetti’s assertion came after the Sudanese army reestablished control over the vital mountain range of Jabal Moya on October 5, a territory previously seized by the RSF that had enabled them to influence the Sennar state and disrupt supply routes crucial to the central regions of Sudan. He characterized these Egyptian airstrikes as acts of treachery against his forces, aligning them with earlier denouncements of foreign involvement, which he claimed included lending support from countries such as Iran. In further commentary, Hemetti noted the employment of Sukhoi 29 jets in the bombardment of RSF positions and alleged that the Sudanese military has enlisted mercenaries from Ukraine, among others, as part of a wider coalition of foreign fighters supporting their campaign. He specifically called out the Egyptian government for having supplied the Sudanese army with military hardware, including U.S.-made bombs during negotiations in Geneva. Hemetti expressed concern over ongoing air raids impacting civilian populations in regions such as Darfur and demonstrated surprise at the lack of military engagement in other key territories despite the presence of RSF fighters. Emphasizing a distinction between his forces and those accused of wartime atrocities, Hemetti repudiated any association with groups implicated in murder and looting. He instructed his personnel to refrain from the filming of combat situations and to treat prisoners humanely. In light of these developments, Hemetti has called for his soldiers on leave to rejoin their units and has urged his forces to avoid celebratory gunfire, underscoring that the RSF does not rely on external military support. In his critique of domestic political figures, he accused members of the Islamic Movement and the National Congress Party of orchestrating the hostilities perpetrated against the RSF, which he claimed was part of a broader scheme to regain political power, citing that, “They overthrew us and attacked us while we were asleep.”
The ongoing conflict in Sudan is rooted in a complex interplay of political power struggles and military confrontations between various factions. The Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a paramilitary group, have sought control over strategic territories, while the Sudanese National Army aims to regain dominance. The involvement of foreign powers, particularly through military aid and direct engagements, has exacerbated the conflict, complicating the humanitarian situation and fostering widespread regional instability.
In summary, the accusations leveled by Hemetti against Egypt highlight a significant escalation in the conflict within Sudan, as he condemns foreign military involvement and vows to fortify his forces in response. The situation remains dire, with humanitarian implications and geopolitical ramifications stemming from the ongoing hostilities and external interventions. Hemetti’s claims suggest a deteriorating landscape for peace negotiations and increased violence among the factions involved.
Original Source: sudantribune.com
