The Sudanese ambassador to Tunisia, Ahmed Abdel Wahed Ahmed, said that Sudan does not need military support as much as it needs to stop the arrival of mercenaries from neighboring countries, including Libya, Chad and Niger.
This came during a press conference held in the capital, Tunis, in which he discussed the latest developments in the situation in his country, which is witnessing a war between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces.
The ambassador added that whenever they eliminated thousands of mercenaries coming from these countries, thousands more came, announcing his refusal to deploy international peacekeeping forces, given that the Sudanese army maintains security in the country, according to him.
The ambassador indicated that there are about 13 million Sudanese who have been displaced internally and externally as a result of “attacks” by the Rapid Support Forces in the country, explaining that 10 million have been displaced inside Sudan from the regions and nearly 3 million have been displaced abroad, and there are 5,000 dead in Khartoum alone, according to him.
The Sudanese ambassador pointed out that the Rapid Support Forces militia controls South Darfur, which has wealth, and has committed horrific crimes there, while in the capital, Khartoum, it controls small pockets, given that they occupy homes and the army cannot demolish them, and areas in the Gezira state in the center of the country, according to him.
Ahmed attacked the Rapid Support Forces, considering that their actions are inconsistent with morals, humanitarian principles and international laws, calling on the United Nations to condemn these very heinous acts, as he put it.
Sudan’s representative to the United Nations, Al-Harith Idris, had accused Haftar’s forces, especially the “106th Brigade,” of supplying the Rapid Support Forces led by “Hemedti” with shipments of ammunition and mortars through the border city of Kufra to reach Sudan.
Idris added in a briefing to the Security Council yesterday that the Subul al-Salam battalion, which is stationed in the city of Kufra in the south of the country, provided logistical support of ammunition and mortar shells to Hemedti’s Rapid Support Forces through the ammunition stores of the 106th Brigade, led by Khaled Haftar.
The delegate accused the UAE of being involved in fueling the conflict and strengthening the crisis taking place in Sudan and the region in general, as he put it.
Earlier, The Observer newspaper, affiliated with the British newspaper The Guardian, revealed shipments of fuel leaving every night from a refinery near Al-Jawf Oasis via convoys and heading through the desert towards Sudan.
The Guardian reported that Haftar is trying to hide about 10,000 barrels of oil per day from a government company in order to re-refine it at the “Sarir Refinery” with high quality and transport it via trucks to Sudan.
In its investigation, CNN revealed, through images taken by satellites, that a Russian plane was being transported between the “Al-Jufra and Al-Khadim” air bases and was being used by “Wagner,” citing Sudanese and regional diplomatic sources, that “Wagner” had largely supplied the Rapid Support fighters and their leader, “Mohamed.” Hamdan Dagalo, known as “Hemedti,” used surface-to-air missiles to help his forces fight against the Sudanese army.
The Wall Street Journal quoted informed sources as saying that Haftar transferred military supplies to the Rapid Support Forces in Sudan last Monday as part of the current confrontations with the Sudanese army.
Source: Anatolia Agency + Libya Al-Ahrar Channel
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Sudan Expert
Time.news Editor: Good day! Today, we’re diving into the ongoing crisis in Sudan, where complex political and military dynamics are at play. I’m joined by Dr. Amina Salah, an expert in Sudanese affairs and a researcher focused on conflict resolution. Thank you for being with us today, Dr. Salah.
Dr. Amina Salah: Thank you for having me. It’s a crucial and timely topic.
Editor: Let’s start with the recent comments from Sudanese Ambassador to Tunisia, Ahmed Abdel Wahed Ahmed. He emphasized that Sudan doesn’t require military assistance but urgently needs help to stop the influx of mercenaries from neighboring nations. What do you make of this statement?
Dr. Salah: The ambassador’s perspective is quite significant. It highlights a crucial aspect of the conflict—Sudan’s sovereignty and the impact of external actors. The flow of mercenaries from countries like Libya, Chad, and Niger exacerbates the already volatile situation, and the government views this as a primary concern. Their presence not only affects military engagements but also complicates the humanitarian crisis.
Editor: Speaking of the humanitarian crisis, the ambassador mentioned approximately 13 million Sudanese displaced due to the ongoing conflict. How has this level of displacement impacted Sudan, both socially and economically?
Dr. Salah: The scale of displacement is staggering and deeply concerning. Internally displaced persons (IDPs) often face dire conditions—lack of shelter, food, and healthcare. This is not just a short-term hurdle; it has long-term implications for social cohesion and economic stability. Communities are fragmented, and the strain on public services can lead to increased tensions and violence.
Editor: The ambassador has rejected the idea of international peacekeeping forces. Why do you think he feels this way, and what are the potential implications of this refusal?
Dr. Salah: His stance likely stems from a desire to emphasize national sovereignty and control. The government might view international forces as a threat or as undermining their authority. However, this could lead to a vacuum where violence continues unchecked. Without external mediation or support, the situation could worsen, affecting not just Sudanese civilians but regional stability as well.
Editor: The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) are central to this conflict, and there are accusations of them committing severe human rights violations. How prominent is this issue in international discussions about Sudan?
Dr. Salah: It’s crucial. International organizations and human rights bodies are increasingly spotlighting these atrocities. However, the challenge is translating awareness into action. Calls for condemnation, like those from the ambassador, are essential, but they need to be followed by actionable steps, such as sanctions or other diplomatic measures against the RSF and their allies.
Editor: There’s also the mention of support being provided to RSF from entities in and around Libya. How does this influence the regional power dynamics?
Dr. Salah: The involvement of external forces, such as Khalifa Haftar’s brigades, shows that Sudan is intertwined with broader regional conflicts. This not only complicates the situation internally but could also expand the conflict, drawing in other nations. Such alliances can shift balances of power, making negotiations for peace even more challenging.
Editor: as we look ahead, what are the critical steps that the international community should take to assist Sudan during this tumultuous time?
Dr. Salah: Immediate humanitarian assistance must be prioritized, as millions are in dire need. Concurrently, facilitating dialogue among Sudanese factions, coupled with pressure on external actors to cease support for militias, is essential. Long-term stability will rely on addressing the root causes of the conflict, which include governance issues, economic disenfranchisement, and entrenched disparities across regions.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Salah, for your insights on this pressing issue. It’s clear that Sudan is at a critical juncture, and the path forward will require concerted efforts from both Sudanese leaders and the international community.
Dr. Salah: Thank you for the discussion. It’s important to keep the spotlight on Sudan and to engage in thoughtful dialogue about potential solutions.
Editor: Absolutely. We appreciate your time today and look forward to your continued expertise as this situation develops.