The leader of Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF), Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, known as Hemedti, has reaffirmed that his forces will not withdraw from Khartoum or the Presidential Palace, which they have controlled since the outbreak of war with General al-Burhan’s forces (SAF) on April 15, 2023.
Dagalo’s declaration comes as the SAF claims to have surrounded the palace and advanced toward full control of central Khartoum.
In a recorded speech broadcast via RSF’s Telegram channel on Saturday, Dagalo stated, “The situation is very different now. The war is inside Khartoum, and we will not leave the Presidential Palace or the al-Muqran area.”
He warned that Monday, the 17th of Ramadan—which he noted coincides with both the anniversary of the Battle of Badr and the founding of the RSF—would be a “day of regret” for the SAF, vowing that his forces would ultimately triumph.
His comments come amid escalating clashes between RSF fighters and the SAF around the Presidential Palace, with SAF reporting gains in central Khartoum.
Dagalo Warns of Darfur Secession Plot
Dagalo also warned that a plan is being orchestrated to separate Darfur from Sudan in a manner similar to South Sudan’s 2011 secession. However, he did not specify which actors were involved in this alleged scheme.
He accused General al-Burhan’s SAF of being “a tool used by politicians” and insisted it would not be able to defeat the RSF.
Dagalo reiterated that the war has fundamentally changed, shifting to the capital, Khartoum. He emphasized his determination not to withdraw from the Presidential Palace or the city, reaffirming his commitment to the ongoing battle.
“New Constitution” and Political Realignment
Dagalo also reiterated his support for the “new constitution,” referring to the Civilian Charter signed by the RSF and allied groups in Nairobi in early March.
The agreement lays the groundwork for a civilian government, raising concerns about a potential split in Sudan.
The signatories include the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N), a secular-leaning rebel group led by Abdelaziz al-Hilu, which controls vast areas of South Kordofan.
Other smaller factions also joined the pact.
During his speech, Dagalo thanked Kenya for hosting the signing, calling it a “model democracy that has always welcomed the marginalized.” He stated that history would remember Nairobi’s role in Sudan’s political crisis.
RSF’s Expanding Alliances
Dagalo said that the “new constitution” addresses long-neglected issues in Sudan’s political landscape, arguing that the RSF had been “deceived” about secularism but now fully embraces an alliance with Abdelaziz al-Hilu’s SPLM-N. He declared his commitment to this new partnership.
Asserting that the RSF now enjoys its “strongest-ever political and military alliance,” he warned of an aggressive new phase of conflict, particularly against armed groups aligned with the SAF. He specifically vowed to “crush” and defeat these factions in Darfur.
Dagalo said that RSF intelligence is closely monitoring rebel movements toward Darfur and that his forces are “ready to inflict a decisive defeat.” He concluded his speech with a promise to the Sudanese people: “This will be the last war.”
Threats to Key Cities
Daga;p also issued a direct threat to advance on major cities, including Port Sudan on the Red Sea, as well as Atbara and Shendi in River Nile State, along with Merowe, Dabba, and Dongola in Northern State.
However, he insisted that his forces would not target civilians but rather those he labeled as “criminals.”
With fighting intensifying on multiple fronts, Sudan’s conflict appears set to escalate further, raising fears of a prolonged and even more destructive phase in the war.
