Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces leader Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo in a statement on X reiterated his commitment to participating in the forthcoming IGAD meeting to resolve Sudan’s ongoing conflict.
Dagalo’s statement was prompted by the Sudanese government’s decision to suspend collaboration with the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD).
The move was in response to IGAD unilaterally placing Sudan’s situation on the agenda of its upcoming extraordinary summit and extending an invitation to Dagalo without prior consultation with Sudan.
Dagalo outlined several fundamental principles guiding Sudan’s peace process. He emphasized the necessity of inclusive negotiations that represent the interests of all Sudanese stakeholders, including civil society groups, religious organizations, youth groups, professional associations, and the broader Sudanese citizenry.
Additionally, he stressed the importance of establishing a unified, professional military and a prompt transition to a democratic government through free and fair elections.
He affirmed his resolute commitment to building a stable, democratic, and peaceful Sudan, expressing readiness to make any required sacrifices to achieve this objective.
The RSF leader strongly condemned those obstructing the peace process, stating that “Anyone who obstructs negotiations, prevents meetings from taking place, or abandons the negotiating table without justifiable cause is betraying the Sudanese people.”
Dagalo called for the involvement of national pro-democracy institutions in the peace talks, underlining the significance of inclusive representation.
He expressed hope that his participation in the IGAD meeting and subsequent negotiations would contribute to closing Sudan’s “painful chapter” and “dark era,” putting an end to bloodshed and alleviating the suffering of the Sudanese people.
The IGAD summit in Kampala, originally convened to discuss an agreement between Ethiopia and Somaliland, has been scheduled for next Thursday, January 18.
However, IGAD’s decision to add Sudan to the agenda, apparently without coordination with the military-led Sudanese government, has escalated tensions.
