RSF cuts off key supplies to SAF areas in apparent punishment against Egypt

KHARTOUM – Sudan’s paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has imposed a ban on the transportation of essential goods, livestock, and minerals to regions under the control of the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) in an apparent effort to prevent exports of goods to Egypt.

The decision, issued by the RSF’s leadership, targets key commodities such as gum arabic, peanuts, cooking oil, and gold, all of which are significant exports from Sudan to Egypt and other countries.

In a directive dated October 8, 2024, and signed by RSF General Counsel Nathir Younis Ahmed, the paramilitary group outlined a comprehensive list of prohibited items, warning that violators would face detention and confiscation of their goods.

“Anyone who violates this order will face accountability, detention, and the confiscation of smuggled goods in favor of the Rapid Support Forces,” the order obtained by Sudans Post reads in part.

The order, addressed to RSF military commanders across Sudan, aims to choke supply routes to areas held by the Sudanese army, a move likely to intensify the humanitarian crisis in war-torn regions across the country.

The RSF’s decision to restrict the flow of critical resources comes amid a deepening rift between the two warring factions, which have been locked in a violent conflict since April. The ban includes agricultural products such as peanuts and sesame, vital livestock like cattle and camels, and minerals like gold, which are crucial to Sudan’s economy.

This action follows a series of accusations by the RSF against Egypt and SAF. Just yesterday, RSF leader Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, known as Hemedti, accused Egypt of providing military support to the Sudanese army, fueling the conflict.

Hemedti claimed that Cairo’s alleged backing of SAF, particularly with air power, was killing civilians, prolonging the war and undermining prospects for peace. The Egyptian government has issued a statement denying the claims and calling the RSF a “militia” for the first time.

Just after the ban was made official, a member of the RSF leader’s advisory council, Basha Tabiq, issued a statement denouncing Egypt’s alleged role. Tabiq criticized Egypt’s Foreign Ministry for referring to the RSF as a militia in response to Hemedti’s accusations.

“This confirms the deep-seated animosity Egypt holds against the Rapid Support Forces,” Tabiq said, accusing Egypt of “blatant interference” in Sudan and alleging that Egypt has systematically destroyed Sudanese infrastructure, including factories, bridges, and civilian institutions.

He also pointed to Egypt’s occupation of disputed territories, such as Halayeb, Shalateen, and Umm Ramad, accusing Cairo of seeking to exploit Sudan’s resources to bolster its own economy.

Tabiq called for an immediate halt to all Sudanese exports to Egypt and suggested that “all options are on the table” regarding future relations with Egypt.

The RSF’s ban on goods is expected to have significant economic repercussions, particularly in areas controlled by SAF and other contested areas. It could exacerbate existing shortages of food and basic supplies, further complicating humanitarian efforts.

The RSF could use its control of Al Jazira State, which was once Sudan’s breadbasket, as a mean to prevent the supply of food to other states. The Al Jazira Agricultural Scheme is located in Al Jazira State, which is controlled by the group, almost wholly.