Sudan’s RSF Leader Dagalo Issues Threats Amid Escalating Conflict

General Dagalo of the RSF threatens to attack Port Sudan while battles intensify in Khartoum. With high civilian tolls and allegations of abuse, the humanitarian crisis deepens as lawlessness becomes rampant in various regions. The military and RSF forces continue to clash over control, with significant implications for Sudan’s stability.

Mohamed Dagalo, the commander of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Sudan, has threatened to assault the military-backed government’s stronghold in Port Sudan, additionally targeting northern towns that remained largely untouched during the ongoing civil war. His declaration arrives amidst escalating confrontations in Khartoum, as government forces inch closer to critical state infrastructure, including the presidential palace.

In a video, General Dagalo stated, “Monday is the anniversary of the creation of the Rapid Support Forces and we will turn it into a day of regret and grief for the army.” He indicated that the RSF would conduct an extensive offensive, stating they are prepared to come from various directions and assured triumph over the army. This threat reflects earlier intentions to march on Port Sudan, where military leader Abdel Fattah Al Burhan has resided.

General Dagalo specifically mentioned cities such as Atbara, Shindi, and Dongola, asserting that he aims to capture individuals he labels as “criminals”—those supportive of former ruler Omar Al Bashir and currently allied with the military. Notably, the northern and eastern regions of Sudan have not suffered the same conflict as the capital, which has been ravaged since April 2023, following tensions between two commanding generals.

Despite initial successes for the RSF in capturing key areas, including the international airport and military bases, their stronghold has weakened significantly in the greater Khartoum area. General Dagalo pledged to defend the presidential palace against opposing military advances while urging citizens in the impoverished eastern regions to rebel against the military regime.

Witnesses indicate that RSF forces, alongside volunteers, are now dangerously close to the presidential palace, having captured strategic locations such as office complexes and the national archives. Analysts, however, have expressed concerns regarding Dagalo’s recent demeanor, noting that his message lacked coherence and focus as signs of potential despair emerged.

The conflict in Sudan has yielded a catastrophic humanitarian crisis, resulting in over 10 million displaced individuals and a staggering death toll, which some estimates suggest to be in the tens of thousands. Widespread hunger afflicts over half of the population as famine implements a dire situation primarily in the west of the country. Reports of chaos in central regions emphasize the lack of law and order, as armed looters pose a threat to unarmed civilians, exacerbating public fear and despair.

In response to the increasing lawlessness, military officials are making urgent calls for security personnel to resume their duties, highlighting a desperate need for stability. Residents in affected areas report harrowing experiences due to rampant crime, underscoring a significant breakdown of societal order following the government retaking of the RSF-controlled cities.

The ongoing conflict in Sudan continues to escalate, with General Dagalo’s threats and military maneuvers bringing heightened instability to the region. As battles rage in Khartoum and threats loom over Port Sudan, the humanitarian consequences are dire, affecting millions. Both sides of the conflict face serious allegations of civilian abuse, highlighting the urgent need for interventions to restore security and peace. The situation remains precarious, underlining the necessity for international attention and humanitarian assistance.

Original Source: www.thenationalnews.com