RSF leader accuses Egypt of aiding SAF, blames U.S. for Sudan conflict

PORT SUDAN – The leader of Sudan’s rebellious Rapid Support Forces (RSF), General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, has accused the Egyptian army of playing a role in the ongoing conflict by aiding the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF).

He also blamed the United States for designing the Framework Agreement to “destroy” Sudan.

In a recorded statement released yesterday, Dagalo claimed that Egyptian Air Force has provided the SAF with air support since the start of the war, including in Jebel Moya where the army regained control last week.

“The Egyptian Air Force is bombing our people and destroying our land,” he said, without substantiating the claim.

Dagalo further alleged that other countries, including Iran, have supported the SAF. He also claimed that the RSF had previously refrained from addressing Egyptian involvement but that it was time to speak out.

“Our fight is not only against Burhan and his army but against foreign intervention that seeks to keep Sudan divided and weak,” he added.

In response, the Egyptian foreign ministry strongly denied the accusations, calling Dagalo a “militia commander” for the first time and urging the RSF to provide evidence.

Dagalo went on to make damning claims against the Framework Agreement, which pro-SAF opposition political groups have blamed for the outbreak of war. He had previously supported the agreement, saying it was the “only exit” for the political crisis that preceded the war.

However, Dagalo now claims that he had warned the United States against the Framework Agreement, which was mean to pave the way for the country’s transition to civilian rule.

The agreement, signed on December 5, 2022, more than five months before the outbreak of the conflict in April 2023, outlines a two-year transitional period leading up to elections and establishes a civilian-led governing authority.

It also provides for a 10-year period for integration of the RSF into the SAF, which the military leaders oppose. Dagalo called out the United States for failing to heed his warning that the Framework Agreement would cause war.

“Now, you, the international community, led by the Americans, when you bring the Islamic Movement back, why did you destroy the country?” he said, referring to U.S. efforts to bring parties together for the Framework Agreement.

“Why did you bring the National Congress back? Why did you destroy the country with this Framework [Agreement]? There is no reason for this war; there is no reason at all,” he added.