Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF) leader Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, announced on social platform X that Sudan’s withdrawal from IGAD does not represent the position of the citizens of Sudan.
RSF leader said Sudan’s withdrawal from IGAD was an attempt by extremist controlled Ministry of Foreign Affairs and leadership of the army to deepen Sudan’s isolation
Dagalo said that the “extremists” in charge of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the SAF leadership do not possess the legitimacy or authority to represent or make decisions on behalf of the Sudanese people.
“Sudan is a founding member of IGAD, and the destiny of its people is inextricably linked to that of the IGAD member states. Sudan remains a bona fide member of IGAD and committed to the founding objectives of the this important regional organization. It will continue to actively participate in IGAD programs and activities,” RSF leader said.
RSF leader also reiterated that he is ready to continue engaging in the Sudan peace process under the auspices of IGAD, African Union or the UN.
Dagalo also slammed the army leadership for not attending the 42nd IGAD session in Uganda, saying that this would hinder the efforts of the regional community to end the war and put an end to the conflict.
“The Rapid Support Forces reiterates its unyielding commitment to the primacy of unfettered humanitarian support, civilian protection, and inclusive political engagement of all Sudanese stakeholders through a negotiated settlement,” RSF leader added.
Sudan has since April 15, 2023 been plunged into a civil war pitting army chief General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan against RSF Commander Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo.
The conflict has resulted in a devastating toll, with over 12,190 casualties and the displacement of more than seven million people, according to estimates by the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project and UN figures, respectively.
Mediation efforts have faced significant obstacles due to deep-seated animosity between the rival factions. Despite Burhan’s administration continuing to issue statements as Sudan’s government, Dagalo’s Rapid Support Forces assert control over Khartoum’s streets, Darfur, and a substantial part of Al-Jazira, once Sudan’s vital agricultural region.
