In a bold and unscripted speech delivered Wednesday, Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, leader of Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF), unleashed a series of fierce criticisms against Egypt, the United States, Sudanese army generals (SAF), rival Darfur groups, and even Iran and the former Islamic Movement.
Dagalo used the address to expose what he described as foreign interference and betrayal in the ongoing conflict, positioning the RSF as defenders of Sudan’s sovereignty against a coalition of external forces.
The speech, given in colloquial Sudanese Arabic and shared via RSF’s social media platforms, comes on the heels of new U.S. sanctions targeting Dagalo’s brother, Al Goney Dagalo, for allegedly procuring arms for the RSF.
Dagalo underlined that the RSF is not to blame for the war and added that the group is a victims of international neglect.
RSF chief highlighted warnings he gave before the conflict erupted, including a key meeting with U.S., Saudi, and Sudanese officials at the Saudi ambassador’s residence, where his cautions were ignored.
Dagalo’s condemnation was especially sharp towards Egypt, accusing it of playing a duplicitous role in the war by backing the General al-Burhan’s forces (SAF).
He said Egyptian forces were actively aiding SAF by bombing civilian areas and RSF strongholds.
“The Egyptian Air Force is bombing our people and destroying our land,” he charged, portraying Cairo as aligned with SAF leader General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan in what he called a “treacherous” campaign against Sudan’s people.
Dagalo launched a sharp attack on the resurgence of Islamist figures in Sudan, accusing al-Burhan of being “held hostage by the Islamist movement” led by Ali Karti and Osama Abdallah.
He blamed al-Burhan for the outbreak of the current war, the October 2021 military coup, and the violent dispersal of the June 3, 2019 sit-in, among other crimes.
Dagalo further accused him of attempting to undermine Lt. Gen. Shamseldin Kabashi in an internal power struggle.
Dagalo said he was not surprised at Jibril Ibrahim’s involvement alongside the SAF, aligning his rebel forces with the Islamist movement.
However, he strongly condemned Minawi’s participation, accusing him of “taking money to play this role” and putting his family at risk by violating a pact made with Abdelrahim Dagalo, witnessed by the Chadian president, to avoid attacking El Fasher.
Dagalo said Minawi had “betrayed the RSF” and now falsely portrays himself as a victim. He also accused Jibril Ibrahim of “stealing the country’s money.”
Dagalo vowed to “equip a million soldiers,” praised his troops’ bravery, and denied allegations of looting and theft.
RSF chief called on his forces to treat prisoners with respect, refrain from filming military operations, and stop firing celebratory shots, emphasizing the need to conserve ammunition.
Dagalo also took aim at the U.S., accusing Washington of facilitating Egypt’s military operations by providing bombs used in Sudan, asserting, “If the Americans were not in agreement, these bombs would not reach Sudan.”
RSF leader further claimed that Iran was training SAF recruits and that foreign mercenaries from various nations, including Eritrea, Ukraine, and Azerbaijan, were fighting alongside the SAF.
In his 39-minute address, Dagalo also acknowledged the RSF’s temporary loss of the strategic Jebel Moya area after a relentless seven-hour bombardment by Egyptian forces.
Despite the setback, he praised the RSF fighters as “heroes” and vowed to reclaim the area soon, promising that “preparations are underway” for a counteroffensive.
The RSF leader’s statements marked the first formal accusation of Egypt’s direct involvement in the 18-month-old conflict.
Dagalo’s claims are likely to escalate tensions with Egypt, which has traditionally maintained strong ties with SAF, including under Burhan’s leadership.
Cairo, while denying any direct military involvement, has expressed concern about the potential impact of Sudan’s instability on its southern border, given the large number of Sudanese refugees entering Egypt.
Despite Egyptian denials, Dagalo’s speech paints a stark picture of foreign intervention in Sudan’s conflict.
Experts say Dagalo’s assertions of betrayal, combined with his unflinching commitment to the RSF’s cause, highlight the group’s determination to push back against what they view as an international conspiracy propping up the SAF.
For the RSF, Dagalo’s words serve as a rallying cry, reinforcing the narrative that they are the true protectors of Sudan’s sovereignty in the face of external meddling.
As the conflict drags on, with no clear resolution in sight, Dagalo’s defiant speech underscores the group’s resilience, positioning the RSF as not just a local power but a symbol of Sudanese resistance against foreign dominance.
