In a bold statement that has quickly garnered widespread attention, Lieutenant General Abdel Rahim Dagalo, the second-in-command of the Sudanese Rapid Support Forces (RSF), declared that the “State of 56” — a term referring to a set of agreements and political arrangements established in Sudan — would come to an end, starting from the city of El Fasher in Darfur.
Dagalo’s remarks, captured in a widely circulated video, marked a pointed attack on the Justice and Equality Movement (JEM), led by Gibril Ibrahim, and the Sudan Liberation Movement (SLM), headed by Minni Minawi, accusing them of betraying their people for financial gain by defending SAF General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan.
Dagalo’s comments emphasized the deep tensions between these groups, particularly in the wake of the ongoing conflict in Sudan. He accused Burhan of committing “genocide” against them, leading to the displacement of thousands, yet Burhan had paid JEM and SLM leaders to protect him.
According to Dagalo, it was these very leaders who coerced Burhan into signing the peace agreement with them.
The RSF leader went on to address the growing concerns of the conflict spreading further into Darfur, stating his forces would not allow this. Instead, he vowed to shift the battleground to the River Nile State, a central region of Sudan, in an effort to change the course of the war.
“We will not allow Darfur to be dragged into this war any further. We will instead focus on transferring the war to the River Nile State,” Dagalo said, signaling a shift in RSF strategy.
Dagalo also took the opportunity to defend his forces, reiterating the RSF’s commitment to protecting all citizens, regardless of their ethnic or tribal background. He rejected claims that the RSF was aligned solely with Arab tribes and against other Sudanese groups such as the Zaghawa or Furawi. The RSF, he explained, does not make such distinctions, but instead stands with all citizens, including foreign nationals living in Sudan.
In his remarks, Dagalo also referenced the release of several individuals who had initially taken up arms against the RSF. He stated that many had been misled by Minawi and Ibrahim, who, according to him, had been motivated by money, and thus he allowed them to return to their homes without facing prosecution.
This confrontation comes at a critical time for Sudan, as the country grapples with instability and violent clashes between the various factions vying for power. The RSF has been a significant player in the ongoing conflict against General Burhan while also engaging in a complex relationship with other armed groups like JEM and SLM.
The focus on the River Nile State is likely to escalate tensions, as it could be a strategic move to control key infrastructure and resources vital for Sudan’s economic and political stability.
