Accusations at the Border

KHARTOUM – In a moment fraught with tension and uncertainty, the Sudanese military government has launched serious accusations against Libyan forces, specifically those under the eastern command of Khalifa Haftar. According to Sudanese officials, these forces are accused of collaborating with the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in orchestrating a deadly border assault. Such a claim raises questions about regional dynamics and the extent of foreign intervention in Sudan’s ongoing turmoil.

Can the relationships between neighboring countries impact internal conflicts to such a degree?

In their official statements, both the Sudanese army and the Foreign Affairs Ministry have directly linked Libya to the assault near the tri-border juncture of Sudan, Libya, and Egypt. The narrative from the Sudanese perspective is clear: they vow to protect their territorial integrity and sovereignty against these perceived threats.

Support and Sovereignty

The Sudanese army, in a remarkable press release, observed that the RSF, allegedly “supported by Khalifa Haftar’s Libyan forces,” sought control over the contested tri-border area. The report from Sudan Tribune highlighted the strategic audacity of the attack.

One can’t help but wonder: Is this a mere territorial dispute, or does it signify a far more intricate web of international and regional conspiracy?

The intervention by Libyan forces has been described as “unprecedented,” a stark reminder of the fragility of international law when sovereign borders are in question.

Meanwhile, the Sudanese Foreign Affairs Ministry painted a picture of dangerous escalation, accusing Libya of engaging in the conflict with the backing of external powers. Yet, Libya remains silent—a country grappling with its own issues, offering no formal response to these serious allegations.

The Clashes and Consequences

Reflecting on the June 6 incident, members of Haftar’s “Subul al-Salam” battalion supposedly advanced three kilometers into Sudanese territory. A clash ensued near Mount Arkenu with a pro-Sudanese armed group, resulting in the death of two Libyan fighters and the capture of two more.

It’s an unfortunate replay of a series of events that have become all too common in this region—a second attack from Kufra, Libya, soon followed, inflicting notable losses on Sudanese forces.

But is this military ambition or desperation? Both the RSF and the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) have been locked in a power struggle since 2023, following the military coup that dismantled the transitional authorities after Omar al-Bashir’s fall from power.

The Bigger Picture

In the broader perspective of Sudan’s conflict, does external intervention exacerbate an already delicate situation, or could it potentially forge unholy alliances?

The army’s spokesperson emphasized that the joint RSF-Haftar attack aimed to “seize the area,” while pro-RSF media circulated videos claiming their forces overran a Sudanese army stronghold.

Such narratives, whether factual or fueled by propaganda, illustrate the complexity of trust and truth in times of war. The government continues to navigate these turbulent waters, attempting to maintain stability in a nation that has known little peace since al-Bashir’s reign ended.