The commander of Sudan’s RSF, Mohamed Dagalo, has accused Egypt of conducting airstrikes against RSF troops and providing support to the Sudanese Army amidst the ongoing civil war. Egypt has denied these allegations, emphasizing its commitment to halting the conflict and assisting civilians. The RSF chief’s statement marks the first public accusation towards Egypt since the start of the war, which is significantly impacting the humanitarian situation in Sudan.
The chief of Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF), Mohamed Dagalo, widely known as Hemedti, has made allegations against Egypt, claiming that the Egyptian military has engaged in airstrikes against RSF positions during the ongoing civil war in Sudan. In a recent video message, Dagalo asserted that Egyptian aircraft have treacherously targeted RSF soldiers, stating that the strikes had occurred in the capital, Khartoum, and the city of Sennar, both of which have seen the Sudanese Army (SAF) regain territory following intense conflict. Dagalo further accused Egypt of providing military support to the Sudanese Army, alleging that Egypt has been instrumental in training and arming the SAF with drones, which he claims include U.S.-manufactured weaponry: “If the Americans were not in agreement these bombs would not reach Sudan,” he stated. The RSF leader’s accusations mark the first public assertion pointing to Egyptian involvement in the civil war, which erupted in April 2023 amidst tensions over a transition to civilian governance. In response, Egyptian authorities quickly denied these claims, asserting that they aim to cease hostilities in Sudan and protect civilians. The Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated, “Egypt dismisses the allegations made by the Commander of the Rapid Support Militia, Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, regarding the participation of Egyptian air force in the ongoing battles in Sudan.” The Ministry urged the international community to scrutinize the evidence presented by Dagalo and asserted Egypt’s commitment to humanitarian relief efforts for those affected by the conflict. Additionally, Dagalo pointed to the involvement of Iranian forces and mercenaries from Ukraine, Tigray, Eritrea, and Azerbaijan alongside the Sudanese Army, expanding the narrative on foreign military involvement in the ongoing conflict. Concurrently, the United States has imposed sanctions on senior RSF leader Algoney Hamdan Daglo Musa for his role in the RSF’s arms procurement efforts, which have sustained their military operations in defiance of cease-fire negotiations. As the violence in Sudan approaches its 18th month, humanitarian organizations have noted a significant deterioration in the situation, with the United Nations describing the conflict as leading to the largest displacement and protection crisis in contemporary history.
Sudan has been embroiled in a civil war since April 2023, which was ignited due to tensions surrounding a potential transition to a civilian government. The conflict primarily features clashes between the RSF, a paramilitary group, and the Sudanese Army. As the warring factions engage in fierce battles, external parties, including neighboring countries and international powers, appear to play roles in exacerbating the conflict. Accusations have been made regarding foreign military involvement, including allegations about the provision of arms and training. The ongoing situation has resulted in a dire humanitarian crisis, with millions displaced and urgent calls for international intervention.
In summary, the allegations made by RSF chief Mohamed Dagalo against Egypt highlight the complexities of the ongoing civil war in Sudan, revealing concerns over international military involvement and complicating already strained relations in the region. As humanitarian conditions worsen amid prolonged violence, the responses of involved nations and international organizations will be crucial in determining the future stability of Sudan.
Original Source: abcnews.go.com
