KEY POINTS
- The leader of Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF) accuses Egypt of participating in airstrikes against RSF troops amid the ongoing conflict in Sudan.
- Egypt has denied involvement in the Sudanese conflict, maintaining that it seeks a peaceful resolution to the crisis.
- The accusation comes as Sudan remains embroiled in a violent power struggle between the RSF and the Sudanese army, leading to worsening instability.
The commander of Sudan’s paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has accused Egypt of participating in air raids against its forces, deepening a conflict as Sudan grapples with civil unrest.
This allegation was made by RSF head General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, also known as Hemedti and comes as-Opposition forces Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) continue to put the country through lethal power struggle.
Whispers from the Sudan Hemedti has accused Egypt of fomenting the rebellion that has turned the country into a war zone since April 2023. The RSF leader accused Egyptian forces of helping the Sudanese military by bombing RSF positions with airstrikes.
Egypt has denied any involvement in the recent airstrikes on Sudanese territory, saying that its air force only targeted the Houthi rebels in Yemen.
However, Egypt has flatly refuted any direct implication on its part in the conflict in the Sudan. The Egyptian authorities have always claimed that they are against the violence in Sudan and are willing to ensure the stability of the region.
Egypt has had a diplomatic and military relationship with the Sudanese forces before the conflict started but not directly with the rebels.
Reuters reported that Egypt’s position has been questioned, especially as it supports the Sudanese military authorities.
But the Egyptian authorities have denied accusations of direct support for the military in Sudan, stating that they are only providing humanitarian assistance and trying to mediate the conflict.
The Sudanese crisis and the escalation of the conflict and its impact
The skirmishes between the RSF and SAF have wreaked havoc in Sudan; many people have been killed, thousands displaced and a humanitarian crisis that has crossed borders into neighboring countries.
The power struggle started as a conflict between Sudan’s military ruler General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and the RSF chief Hemedti, who were once partners.
The current violence has led to destruction of property in key Sudanese towns with Khartoum being the most affected region.
Airstrikes and shelling are so frequently used throughout the conflicts and only worsen the suffering of people who remain in combat areas. The RSF’s accusation against Egypt only adds to the problem and raises the question of whether regional actors will be dragged into Sudan’s conflict.
The RSF and the Sudanese army have both looked for support from the international community as the fighting continues without any end in sight. Sudan’s already volatile political situation seems set to deteriorate further, claims to the leadership are contentious while regional players are watching developments closely.
International mediation has been called for
As the situation in Sudan gets worsens there are increasing voices urging the international community to intervene in the conflict in order to avoid aggravation of the situation.
The African Union and the Arab League have been calling for a cessation of hostilities and negotiations between the RSF and SAF but the fighting continues.
There is something that must be understood to comprehend the agenda behind Egypt in this conflict: the fact that Egypt was an ally to America is reflected in the accusations it made against it.
Although Egyptian officials have vehemently dismissed any direct interference by Egyptian military in the conflict, the relations of the warring sides with foreign actors testifies to the difficulties in search for the diplomatic settlement for the conflict.
