Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo, also known as Hemedti, the commander of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), reiterated his support for real peace in a video clip released on Thursday evening during a graduation ceremony for a batch of his soldiers. He urged the citizens in the areas controlled by the RSF to form local administrations, emphasizing the inclusion of their executive directors, except for the ‘Kizan.’
He clarified the situation regarding the withdrawal of the 21st brigade leaders from the headquarters in Zalingei, denying at the same time the army’s withdrawal from the Nyala headquarters, instead referring to it as a defeat.
Mocking the descriptions of his forces as foreigners from Niger, Hemedtihighlighted the social interaction between Sudanese and neighboring countries. He appreciated the role of the armed struggle forces, inviting them to partake in securing the areas controlled by the RSF. He also urged them not to allow the army forces to seek refuge with them when fleeing from confrontations with the RSF, citing a recent incident in El Fasher on Wednesday.
Expressing astonishment at the continuous involvement of army personnel, not affiliated with the Islamic Movement, in the ongoing fighting, he implicated the Islamic Movement, especially Ali Karti, Osama Abdullah, and Salah Gosh, in managing Al-Burhan.
He explained that the targeting of the RSF was due to their participation in the change on April 11, followed by pressure to sign the Juba peace agreement and the framework agreement.
Background:
The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) is a paramilitary force in Sudan, led by Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo, commonly known as Hemedti. The RSF has been a significant player in Sudan’s political landscape, especially post the ouster of Omar al-Bashir, the long-serving President of Sudan. They have been known for their involvement in various internal conflicts within Sudan, including the Darfur conflict.
Sudan has been undergoing a fragile transition with a power-sharing arrangement between the military and civilian groups since the fall of Omar al-Bashir in April 2019. The transitional period has seen various clashes and power struggles among different military and paramilitary factions, including the RSF and other armed groups.
The call for forming local administrations in RSF controlled areas by Hemedti indicates an attempt to establish a semblance of governance in these regions amidst the ongoing conflict. This move comes amidst a broader context of negotiations and efforts to achieve a lasting peace in Sudan, including the Juba peace agreement aimed at ending conflicts in Darfur, South Kordofan, and Blue Nile regions.
The situation in Sudan remains precarious with sporadic violence and power struggles threatening the stability and the transitional process towards a civilian-led governance structure. The involvement of various military and paramilitary groups, each with its interests and alliances, further complicates the path towards peace and stability.
In conclusion, Hemedti’s call for the formation of local administrations in RSF-controlled areas highlights the ongoing struggle for control and governance in different parts of Sudan. As the country navigates through its transitional phase, achieving a comprehensive peace and a stable governance structure remains a challenging endeavor. The different factions, including the RSF, continue to play a significant role in shaping Sudan’s political and security landscape, with the broader goal of peace still seemingly elusive.