The leader of Sudan’s RSF has accused Egypt of conducting air strikes against his forces using US bombs, allegations Egypt vehemently denies. This claim arises amidst ongoing violent conflict in Sudan, which has displaced over 10 million people since April 2023. As the RSF faces setbacks, international mediation efforts remain critical, with the potential for prolonged conflict being underscored by Dagalo’s statements about military personnel numbers and foreign interventions.
The Sudanese Rapid Support Forces (RSF), led by Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, known as Hemedti, have leveled accusations against Egypt alleging its involvement in recent air strikes on RSF positions. Dagalo contended that the air strikes, which he claimed were carried out using United States bombs near Jebel Moya, a strategic area south of Khartoum, indicate Egyptian military operations against his forces. In response, Egypt’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has categorically denied these allegations, asserting that the Egyptian military is not engaged in the ongoing conflict in Sudan. Furthermore, Dagalo asserted that Egypt is one of six countries involved in the conflict, accusing it of providing support to the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) through training and drone assistance. The conflict in Sudan, which erupted in April 2023, has resulted in significant displacement, with the United Nations reporting over 10 million people affected, including approximately 8.1 million internally displaced and two million seeking refuge in neighboring countries. The RSF leader’s statements come amidst a backdrop of intensified military engagement, where the SAF has recently achieved strategic advances, particularly in Khartoum and the southeastern Sennar state. Dagalo warned that the conflict could persist for several years, stating, “This war will not end in one or two, three, four years. Some talk about one million soldiers and soon we will reach one million.” Egypt has been actively participating in mediating efforts alongside the United States and Saudi Arabia, even hosting discussions among competing political factions earlier this year. The ministerial response to Dagalo’s claims included a call for the international community to investigate the veracity of the allegations made by the RSF. Additionally, amidst these tensions, Dagalo has hinted at the presence of various mercenaries, including those from Tigray, Eritrea, Azerbaijan, and Ukraine within Sudan, adding further complexity to the conflict. The allegations of foreign involvement, including those against the United Arab Emirates regarding arms supplies to the RSF, exacerbate the already volatile situation in the region, which has been marred by ethnically driven violence and accusations of human rights violations by both the RSF and SAF.
The background of this article stems from the ongoing and escalating conflict in Sudan, which began due to power struggles between different military factions, primarily the SAF and the RSF. This conflict has resulted in widespread violence and humanitarian crises, displacing millions and causing international concern. The involvement of regional powers like Egypt and the UAE complicates the situation, as various external claims and counterclaims regarding their participation in hostilities emerge. The RSF’s allegations against Egypt signify an intensification of blame amid accusations of foreign intervention from multiple parties, contributing to the conflict’s complexity.
In conclusion, the accusations from the RSF against Egypt concerning alleged air strikes reflect the deepening complexities of the conflict in Sudan, characterized by international involvement and internal power struggles. Despite Egypt’s denial of the allegations and its mediation efforts, the situation remains dire, with an increasing humanitarian crisis as millions are displaced. The war in Sudan appears set to continue for the foreseeable future, necessitating urgent international attention and action to mitigate the escalating violence and its repercussions among the civilian population.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
