The leader of Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces, Mohamed Dagalo, threatens to attack Port Sudan and northern cities amid escalating conflict with the military. His announcements come as fighting continues in Khartoum, where humanitarian conditions worsen. With significant territorial losses for the RSF, Dagalo vows to safeguard key government sites and encourages citizen rebellion. Concerns about civilian safety and lawlessness abound as the humanitarian crisis deepens, prompting calls for urgent international action.
Mohamed Dagalo, the leader of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), has issued threats to attack the military-backed government in Port Sudan and cities in northern Sudan that have remained undisturbed during the ongoing civil war. His declaration follows reports of significant fighting in Khartoum, where government forces are progressing toward critical government sites. In a video posted on social media, General Dagalo vowed to transform Monday, the anniversary of the RSF’s creation, into a “day of regret and grief for the army.” He further asserted that their fighting tactics would shift dramatically and concluded with a promise of eventual victory over the military forces.
Previously, Dagalo had indicated intentions to march on Port Sudan, where army chief Abdel Fattah Al Burhan resides. His recent comments also threaten cities north of the capital, suggesting an imminent assault on locations like Atbara, Shindi, and Dongola, which he called home to “criminals” aligned with the army. Until now, the northern and eastern regions of Sudan have witnessed little consequence from the ongoing conflict, which erupted in April 2023 due to power struggles between rival generals.
The RSF initially made significant territorial gains, seizing vital assets in the capital including the international airport and government buildings. Despite controlling much of western Darfur and parts of Kordofan, RSF has lost ground around Khartoum and surrounding cities to army forces. Dagalo has vowed to safeguard the presidential palace and urged citizens to rebel against armed forces in eastern Sudan. Witnesses report a proximity of just two kilometers from the palace by RSF and supporting volunteers, amid various celebrations by the groups.
Analysts have noted Dagalo’s recent address as disjointed and reflective of escalating despair. The ongoing conflict has resulted in tens of thousands of fatalities and displaced over 10 million citizens, contributing to a severe humanitarian crisis wherein over half of the population faces acute hunger. The RSF leader’s rhetoric coincides with reports of abuses faced by civilians in areas recaptured by the military, including an alarming uptick in organized crime and looting in Khartoum.
The security breakdown in central Sudan has provoked the army to urge police and security personnel to resume their roles promptly. Local farmers, once hopeful of returning home post-recapture by the army, find themselves vulnerable to violence from armed volunteers. As violence continues, residents express growing despair, particularly in regions like Wad Medani, where law and order have collapsed completely, leading civilians to fear for their safety amidst looting and intimidation. Both factions, the military and the RSF, have drawn criticism from international bodies for their treatment of civilians during the ongoing war, facing investigations for alleged crimes against humanity.
The ongoing conflict in Sudan, spearheaded by the RSF and government forces, continues to escalate, leading to significant threats against key areas and growing violence against civilians. Dagalo’s declarations mark a pivotal moment as he risks advancing toward government strongholds while intensifying calls for civil disobedience. This turmoil results in dire humanitarian conditions, as large portions of the population suffer from severe deprivation and violence, revealing a critical need for international intervention. Prolonged lawlessness and civil strife signal a chaotic future for the nation unless a resolution can be achieved. Both sides face scrutiny for their roles in exacerbating the humanitarian crisis and committing abuses against civilians.
Original Source: www.thenationalnews.com
