Saturday October 19, 2024
Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF) leader Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, known as Hemetti (left), and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi (right) are at the center of rising tensions after Hemetti accused Egypt of providing military support to Sudan’s Armed Forces. Cairo firmly denies the allegations
CAIRO, Egypt (HOL) — Egypt has firmly rejected accusations made by Sudan's Rapid Support Forces (RSF) that Cairo is providing military support to the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) amid Sudan's deepening civil war.
In an interview broadcast on Thursday, Egypt's Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty dismissed the RSF's claims as "false and inflammatory," reiterating Egypt's stance of neutrality. He emphasized Egypt's ongoing efforts to mediate between Sudan's warring factions, underscoring the importance of stability for both countries.
"The security of Egypt is inseparably linked to that of Sudan," Abdelatty said on Al-Qahera News TV. "We reject any lies or exaggerations designed to involve Egypt in this conflict. Our focus remains on peace, not war."
The accusations by RSF leader Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, also known as Hemetti, in a video statement on October 9, alleged that Egypt had supplied Chinese-made K8 aircraft to the SAF and trained Sudanese soldiers to fight against his forces. Hemetti also claimed Egypt had directly participated in airstrikes targeting RSF positions near Khartoum.
The allegations were swiftly denied by the Egyptian Foreign Ministry, which issued a statement refuting the claims and warning that such rhetoric could derail peace efforts in the region. "Egypt is committed to supporting the Sudanese people through humanitarian efforts and diplomacy, not military intervention," the ministry said.
Hemetti's accusations were followed by direct threats from RSF commanders, who vowed to target Egypt's Aswan High Dam, a critical infrastructure point on the Nile. The RSF also announced a ban on Sudanese exports to Egypt, cutting off a key trade route for agricultural goods and livestock that pass through RSF-controlled regions like Darfur and Kordofan.
Observers say the export ban could severely impact both economies while signalling Hemetti's intent to expand the conflict beyond Sudan's borders. "This is a clear provocation," said Sudanese civil activist Rasha Awad. "It could trigger a dangerous confrontation between the RSF and Egypt."
Sudan's civil war, which began in April 2023, has left over 10 million people displaced, with roughly two million seeking refuge in neighbouring countries. The conflict between Hemetti's RSF and the SAF, led by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, has been marked by brutal violence and war crimes committed by both sides.
The RSF, notorious for its scorched-earth tactics, has been accused of ethnic cleansing and crimes against humanity. Meanwhile, the SAF has been criticized for indiscriminately shelling civilian areas and obstructing aid to millions of Sudanese in desperate need of humanitarian assistance.
Foreign actors have also played a role in fueling the conflict. The RSF has reportedly received arms from the United Arab Emirates (UAE), while the SAF is believed to be backed by Iranian drone and missile technology.
Egypt's relationship with Sudan has long been shaped by its support for the country's military leadership. President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, who himself rose to power following a military coup in 2013, has historically backed Sudan's army and aligned political factions. Following the 2019 ouster of Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir, el-Sisi sought to improve bilateral relations, seeing a stable Sudan as vital to Egypt's regional interests. Egypt sought to counter regional influences, particularly from Ethiopia and Turkey, while securing cooperation on issues like Nile River water rights and cross-border trade. El-Sisi also aimed to prevent Sudan's political vacuum from being filled by factions hostile to Egypt's interests.
Egypt says the stability of Sudan is a top priority, given their shared border and historical ties. Abdelatty emphasized Egypt's ongoing role in hosting more than one million Sudanese refugees and its commitment to peaceful mediation. In July, Egypt hosted talks between Sudanese political and civil representatives, aiming to broker a ceasefire.
Despite these efforts, tensions between Egypt and the RSF have continued to mount. "Egypt will not be drawn into a war," Abdelatty insisted. "Our priority is ensuring peace and security in the region, not fueling further conflict."