Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, head of the TASIS Presidential Council and commander of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), has ruled out negotiations with Islamist-aligned armed groups backing Sudan’s military, accusing them of seeking to restore the political system of former president Omar al-Bashir.
Speaking at a ceremony in Nyala honouring political, community and military figures, Dagalo rejected a proposed Sudanese national dialogue, describing it as an attempt to revive the former regime under army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan.
According to Sudanese media reports published on Tuesday, Dagalo argued that the proposed talks offered little meaningful change from the national dialogue conducted during Bashir’s rule.
He accused Islamist factions of retaining influence within Sudan’s military and political institutions and attempting to use the peace process to preserve their position.
TASIS rejects negotiations with Islamist factions
Dagalo said his forces would not negotiate with armed formations affiliated with the Islamic Movement, maintaining that any lasting settlement must address the structures responsible for Sudan’s successive political crises.
However, he distinguished his opposition to those factions from a broader rejection of peace, indicating that his position was directed at groups he considered responsible for prolonging the conflict.
His remarks come amid disagreements over international mediation efforts, including the role of Islamist-linked political figures in negotiations over Sudan’s future.
The Sudan Founding Alliance previously suspended communication with the international Five-Party Mechanism, citing disputes over the proposed sequencing of negotiations and the participation of figures associated with the former ruling establishment.
Dagalo signals continued military operations
Turning to the battlefield, Dagalo said TASIS-aligned forces would continue military operations against their opponents.
He expressed optimism about developments in Kordofan and Blue Nile, suggesting that further military advances could follow.
Calls for accountability and national unity
During the ceremony, Dagalo also called for stronger institutions, equal citizenship and an end to political favouritism based on tribal affiliations.
He warned traditional leaders against allowing tribal loyalties to shield individuals accused of corruption or other abuses, arguing that accountability should apply regardless of political or community connections.
Dagalo paid tribute to figures associated with Sudan’s political and armed struggles, including John Garang, Khalil Ibrahim and Daoud Bolad, while acknowledging the contributions of TASIS allies and community leaders.
He said the Government of Peace and Unity would continue developing its judicial and administrative institutions alongside efforts to address inequalities in the distribution of national resources.
