In a telephone conversation on Friday, Rapid Support Forces Commander Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo and United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres addressed the Sudanese conflict, its consequences, and explored avenues to alleviate humanitarian suffering.
Dagalo provided Mr. Guterres with an update on the ongoing developments in Sudan, highlighting the grave violations carried out by “Burhan’s coup militia” against innocent civilians.
These transgressions encompass aerial bombings, killings, ethnically motivated arrests, hindering humanitarian organizations from delivering aid, and imposing restrictions on humanitarian workers, Dagalo said.
Dagalo outlined the RSF’s strategy for ending the conflict and starting talks that tackle the fundamental issues behind the crisis.
The aim is to rebuild the Sudanese state on fresh, fair principles, ensuring security, stability, and enduring, all-encompassing peace, Dagalo said.
RSF leader conveyed the group’s appreciation for the appointment of Mr. Ramtane Lamamra as the special envoy to the UN Secretary-General in Sudan.
Dagalo reaffirmed the RSF’s dedication to collaborating with Lamamra and all UN agencies in addressing the humanitarian challenges confronted by civilians in the regions under RSF control.
“We are grateful for the efforts exerted by the United Nations and hope for more support and assistance to our people in reducing the extent of the humanitarian suffering faced by our people due to the crisis the country is facing, Dagalo said.”
Since April 15, 2023, Sudan has been embroiled in a civil war, pitting army chief General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan against RSF Commander Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo.
The conflict has taken a heavy toll, with estimates from the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project and UN figures indicating over 12,190 casualties and the displacement of more than seven million people.
Efforts at mediation have encountered significant challenges, primarily due to deep-seated animosity between the rival factions. Despite Burhan’s administration issuing statements as Sudan’s government, Dagalo’s Rapid Support Forces maintain control over Khartoum’s streets, Darfur, and a substantial portion of Al-Jazira, once Sudan’s vital agricultural region.
