RSF chief urges IGAD to ignore Sudan’s membership withdrawal

NAIROBI – The commander of Sudan’s rebellious Rapid Support Forces (RSF), Mohamad Hamdan Daglo, has denounced the government’s decision to withdraw from the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) regional bloc.

In a statement issued today, Daglo described the decision by head of the transitional council Abdelfattah Al-Burhan as “unilateral” and devoid of popular support. He argued that the Sudanese government and military lack the legitimacy to represent the people’s will.

“In a bid to further isolate Sudan from regional cohesion and integration,” Daglo wrote, “the illegitimately extremists-controlled Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the leadership of the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) took a dangerous path of unilaterally purporting to withdraw Sudan from the membership of IGAD.”

“The path they decided to take does not represent the legitimate position of the people of Sudan,” he empathized. “The extremists controlling the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the leadership of SAF lack the legitimacy and mandate to speak for and act on behalf of the Sudanese people.”

Daglo asserted Sudan’s enduring commitment to IGAD, highlighting its founding role and urging regional leaders to disregard the government’s withdrawal.

“Sudan is a founding member of IGAD,” he stated, “and the destiny of its people is inextricably linked to that of the IGAD member states. Sudan remains a bona fide member of IGAD and committed to the founding objectives of this important regional organization.”

“It will continue to actively participate in IGAD programs and activities,” he added. “In this regard, the communication purporting to withdraw Sudan from IGAD, which violates a well-established rule of procedure, should be treated with the contempt it well deserves.”

Sudan’s withdrawal stems from a deadly conflict that erupted last year after RSF attacks on government and army positions. IGAD, involved in efforts to resolve the conflict, faced accusations of interference from the Sudanese government after welcoming Daglo with red carpets.

The recent withdrawal coincides with an IGAD meeting addressing the Somali-Ethiopian dispute over a new agreement granting Ethiopia a seaport in Somaliland and discussing the Sudanese conflict.