Mohamed El Mokhtar, advisor to Rapid Support Forces (RSF) Commander Mohamed Dagalo and member of the RSF negotiating delegation, has asserted that the RSF will not withdraw from key government buildings until a comprehensive political agreement is reached.
His comments follow recent Geneva talks between the General al-Burhan’s forces (SAF) and the RSF.
In an interview with Radio Dabanga journalist Ashraf Abdelaziz, El Mokhtar defended the RSF’s position, describing it as principled rather than tactical.
He contended that claims of the RSF’s weakened position are unfounded.
“Our operational position is strong, as evidenced by our recent control of new military sites. We are not negotiating from a position of weakness; our forces are advanced on all fronts.”
El Mokhtar addressed allegations that the RSF has failed to implement the Jeddah Declaration, which aims to protect civilians.
He accused SAF leaders of using the Declaration as an excuse to avoid negotiations, claiming that the SAF’s inability to maneuver is the real issue.
The RSF has taken steps to comply with the Declaration, including establishing a joint committee to monitor adherence and renting private hospitals for the wounded.
He also accused the SAF of obstructing humanitarian aid, alleging that SAF leaders, including al Burhan and his assistant Yasir El Atta, have explicitly denied aid to RSF-controlled areas.
“This use of humanitarian aid as a weapon against civilians contradicts the principles of the Jeddah Declaration,” El Mokhtar said.
Regarding claims that the RSF occupies civilian areas, El Mokhtar refuted the allegations, stating that the RSF is present only in military bases and strategic locations, not private residences.
He criticized the SAF for misusing the term ‘civilian areas’ to refer to government sites such as the General Command and the Republican Palace.
El Mokhtar emphasized that the RSF’s withdrawal from key government sites is contingent upon reaching a political settlement that addresses the root causes of the crisis in Sudan.
“Without stopping military actions, people cannot return home,” he concluded.
