Accusations of Egyptian Involvement in Sudanese Air Strikes: A Closer Examination

The RSF in Sudan has accused Egypt of conducting air strikes against its forces, allegations which Egypt has denied. Dagalo, the RSF leader, claims Egypt is using U.S.-made bombs and providing military support to the Sudanese Armed Forces amid an ongoing civil conflict. This situation highlights the complexity of foreign involvement in an internal dispute that has displaced millions.

The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) of Sudan have made serious accusations against Egypt, claiming that it has participated in air strikes against them, a notion vehemently denied by the Egyptian government. The RSF leader, Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, also known as Hemedti, alleged that Cairo was employing U.S.-made bombs in these operations targeting his forces near Jebel Moya, a critical district to the south of Khartoum. In an online video, Dagalo asserted, “If the Americans were not in agreement these bombs would not reach Sudan.” He further accused Egypt of fighting alongside five other nations, including Iran, and stated that the Egyptian government has been providing military training and drone support to the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) led by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan. Cairo has dismissed these claims, with its Ministry of Foreign Affairs urging the international community to seek proof of the allegations made by Dagalo regarding Egypt’s involvement in the Sudanese conflict. “While Egypt denies those claims, it calls on the international community to ascertain the evidence that proves the truth of what the RSF militia leader said,” the ministry noted in a statement. The conflict in Sudan began in April 2023, arising amid escalating tensions between army chief al-Burhan and Dagalo, resulting in over 10 million people displaced, according to the United Nations. Recent developments indicate that the SAF has gained momentum, particularly in Khartoum and the southeastern Sennar state, with Dagalo contending that the purported Egyptian strikes have impeded his forces’ operations. In addition to Egypt, Dagalo has alleged the presence of mercenaries from various countries, including Tigray, Eritrea, Azerbaijan, and Ukraine, in the ongoing conflict. The war has seen significant ethnic violence attributed to the RSF, but rights organizations have similarly accused the SAF of targeting civilians and blocking humanitarian aid. Despite attempts to mediate the dispute, including discussions hosted by Egypt with U.S. and Saudi Arabian involvement, resolutions remain elusive. The RSF leader prognosticated a protracted conflict, estimating that the number of soldiers could soon escalate to a million. The United Arab Emirates has also faced scrutiny, with allegations of supplying arms to the RSF, charges which the UAE has denied. Overall, the accusations of foreign intervention in the conflict add another layer of complexity to a situation that continues to escalate, with significant humanitarian consequences for the Sudanese populace.

The ongoing conflict in Sudan began in April 2023 between the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), led by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan. The fighting has resulted in significant displacement of civilians and raised concerns about humanitarian access in affected areas. In this context, accusations of intervention by foreign powers, particularly Egypt and the UAE, have surfaced, complicating the conflict landscape. The RSF’s claims of Egyptian air strikes illuminate the allegations that various nations are taking sides in this internal struggle, further exacerbating an already dire situation.

The accusations from the RSF against Egypt regarding involvement in air strikes signal an escalation in the rhetoric surrounding the conflict in Sudan. Both the RSF’s claims and Cairo’s denial highlight the complexity of the situation, which has resulted in immense humanitarian crises. The international community’s observation and involvement seem crucial in addressing these escalating tensions and seeking a peaceful resolution to this prolonged conflict.

Original Source: www.aljazeera.com