RSF deputy commander pushes for tribal endorsement

NYALA – The deputy commander of Sudan’s paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), Abdelrahim Dagalo, has called on traditional leaders in South Darfur to openly support the paramilitary group, warning that neutrality will no longer be tolerated.

Speaking at a public meeting with what was described as the “executive office of native administration” in an area in Nyala, South Darfur, last week, Dagalo insisted that local leaders must take a clear position in favor of the RSF.

“There’s no longer any justification for native administration leaders who haven’t aligned themselves with the RSF,” Dagalo said in a recorded speech released by RSF media.

He acknowledged that while some traditional leaders joined the RSF early in the conflict, others remained cautious due to political and societal concerns. However, he claimed that many of these hesitant leaders have quietly supported the group behind the scenes.

Daglo’s remarks reflect a growing effort by the RSF to consolidate local alliances in areas it controls, particularly in Darfur, where the group maintains significant influence. Addressing crow in South Darfur, he issued a stern message “From Now on, we will not accept anyone taking a middle-ground position”.

He went further to suggest that any traditional leader who does not publicly support the RSF will be viewed with suspicion. “Any native administration figure who does not stand with the concerns of the Sudanese people will be seen as someone working against us from within” he said.

Dagalo also spoke about plans to establish administrative structure in areas under RSF control, including new security arrangements and civil governance.

He described the upcoming authority as a “peace-focused government” and mentioned that preparations were underway to form specialized police and security bodies. He added that a special advisor has been appointed to oversee the management of regions and local governments.

As part of these changes, Dagalo announced that police forces would be handed full responsibility for maintaining order in RSF- controlled territories. And a special security unit equipped 100 vehicles will be tasked to responding to any incidents beyond police capacity.

His comments came one day after a separate speech to RSF fighters also in South Darfur, where Dagalo revealed plans to mobilize 2,000 vehicles for future operations. He admitted that past calculations had been flawed and signaled a shift in military focus toward Sudan’s Northern and River Niles states.

The timing of these statements coincides with the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) regaining control of key locations in Central Sudan, including the majority of Khartoum and several important government facilities, among them the presidential palace.

Meanwhile, Dagalo is believed to be based in the city of Nyala, South Darfur’s capital, where he is reportedly leading RSF operations.

Nyala remains a central base for the RSF, with the group using its airport for logistical support. Reports continue to emerge of cargo planes arriving at the airport, allegedly carrying weapons and supplies for RSF forces.