In the current geopolitical landscape, Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, known as Hemetti, who spearheads Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF), and Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi are the key figures amidst escalating tensions. Hemetti recently accused Egypt of arming Sudanese Armed Forces, an allegation that Cairo has staunchly repudiated.
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CAIRO, Egypt (AX) — In a firm rebuttal, Egypt dismissed accusations by Sudan’s RSF that Cairo is supplying military aid to the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), amidst Sudan’s intensifying internal strife.
During a televised interview on Thursday, Egypt’s Foreign Minister, Badr Abdelatty, categorically labeled the RSF’s accusations as “unfounded and incendiary.” He highlighted Egypt’s unbiased stance, stressing their continuous mediating efforts between Sudan’s battling factions as crucial for mutual stability.
“Egypt’s security is thoroughly intertwined with Sudan’s,” remarked Abdelatty on Al-Qahera News TV. “We repudiate any fabrications or exaggerations intended to drag Egypt into this turmoil. Our mission remains fostering peace, not war,” he firmly added.
On October 9, Hemetti, through a video message, asserted that Egypt had allegedly supplied Chinese-made K8 aircraft to SAF and assisted in training Sudanese soldiers against RSF. Additionally, he accused Egypt of involvement in airstrikes near Khartoum aiming at RSF’s positions.
Egypt’s Foreign Ministry swiftly countered these claims, asserting such provocative rhetoric could jeopardize peace processes. “Egypt stands committed to aiding the Sudanese through humanitarian aid and diplomacy, steering clear of military interventions,” read the ministry’s official statement.
Following the verbal accusations, RSF commanders issued serious threats regarding Egypt’s Aswan High Dam on the Nile and announced halting Sudanese exports to Egypt. This decision cuts off a substantial trade route for agriculture and livestock flowing through RSF territory in regions such as Darfur and Kordofan.
Analysts believe that this trade embargo might greatly hamper both economies, indicating an intention by Hemetti to extend the conflict beyond Sudan’s boundaries. “It’s an overt provocation,” claimed Sudanese activist Rasha Awad, warning it might ignite a fierce standoff with Egypt.
The civil unrest in Sudan, igniting in April 2023, has displaced over ten million people, with about two million seeking asylum in nearby countries. The fierce confrontation between Hemetti’s RSF and al-Burhan’s SAF is mired in severe brutality and grave crimes reported from either faction.
RSF, infamous for their destructive ravages, face accusations of ethnic cleansing and severe human rights violations. At the same time, SAF has drawn criticism for indiscriminate bombardments in civilian zones and obstructing aid for millions of desperate Sudanese.
External forces have also contributed to the ongoing conflict, allegedly supplying arms to RSF from the UAE, while SAF reportedly garners technological backing from Iran. Egypt’s nurturing ties with Sudan have historically involved fostering relations with its military leadership. President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, who ascended to power via a military coup in 2013, has consistently supported Sudan’s military forces and favored political groups. Post the 2019 expulsion of Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir, el-Sisi endeavored to bolster bilateral ties, viewing a stabilized Sudan as beneficial for Egypt’s regional pursuits. This move also aimed to counterbalance regional actors like Ethiopia and Turkey and ensure cooperation on crucial matters such as Nile water allocations and commerce. El-Sisi sought to prevent disruptive factions, adverse to Egypt’s interests, from capitalizing on Sudan’s political vacuum.
Egypt prioritizes Sudan’s stability, acknowledging the shared border and rich historical ties. Abdelatty reiterated Egypt’s commitment to sheltering over a million Sudanese refugees and persisting in peaceful mediation efforts. Egypt convened peace negotiations in July, involving Sudanese political and civil groups, aiming for a ceasefire resolution.
Despite ongoing diplomatic efforts, the friction between Egypt and the RSF escalates. “Egypt will not get dragged into warfare,” Abdelatty asserted strongly. “Ensuring regional peace and security remains our focal agenda, we won’t fuel further conflict,” he emphasized.
Edited by: Ali Musa
alimusa@axadletimes.com
Axadle international–Monitoring
