RSF Leader Dagalo Threatens Escalation in Sudan Conflict

Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, leader of Sudan’s RSF, promises to escalate conflict, refusing to retreat from Khartoum or the presidential palace. He warns foreign nations supporting the Sudanese army and plans to target Port Sudan. Despite RSF’s resistance, the Sudanese army reports advances and demands disarmament from the RSF for negotiations to take place.

On Saturday, Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, the leader of Sudan’s paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), threatened to escalate the ongoing conflict, asserting that his forces would not retreat from Khartoum or the presidential palace. In a video address, Dagalo, commonly referred to as Hemedti, announced that the situation in Khartoum had entered a new phase of warfare, with his troops firmly established in their positions.

In his declaration, Dagalo affirmed, “We will not leave the presidential palace,” signaling a resolute stance. He issued warnings to nations aiding the Sudanese military, stating that they “will pay the price.” He also revealed intentions to target Port Sudan, a strategic site for military operations and a base for several UN agencies and diplomatic missions.

This proclamation comes amid notable territorial advances for the Sudanese army in recent months, despite the RSF’s persistent resistance. Reports from the Wall Street Journal previously pointed out Dagalo’s absence from frontline engagements, causing discontent among his troops who felt neglected.

In an opposing declaration, Sudanese army commander Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan indicated there would be no negotiations with the RSF unless they relinquished their weapons and took accountability for the ongoing conflict, which has persisted since mid-April 2023. The military is purportedly making consistent strides against RSF forces on multiple fronts.

In summary, Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo’s firm stance against retreating from key positions in Khartoum underscores the ongoing conflict’s intensification. His threats against foreign supporters of the Sudanese army and plans to target Port Sudan highlight the strategic significance of this confrontation. Meanwhile, the Sudanese army continues to make progress, insisting on disarmament and accountability from the RSF as prerequisites for any negotiations.

Original Source: newscentral.africa