SLM-Transitional Council denies joining RSF in South Darfur

February 24, 2024 (EL-FASHER) – The Sudan Liberation Movement – Transitional Council (SLM-TC), led by al-Hadi Idris, issued a statement denying reports that some of its forces had joined the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in South Darfur state.

The denial came in response to a video published on February 21 by the RSF showing a military leader claiming the SLM-TC’s forces had joined them.

The SLM-TC has condemned the war between the army and the paramilitary forces and declared its neutrality since the beginning of the war on April 15. The group repeatedly denied any intention of siding with any party in the conflict.

SLM-TC spokesman Abdelaziz Abdel Karim clarified that the individuals who declared their support for the RSF had previously cooperated with the SLM-TC in efforts to build peace in Darfur, particularly during the negotiations leading to the Juba Peace Agreement.

In statements to Sudan Tribune, he stressed that these individuals are not official members of the SLM-TC and that their actions do not represent the Movement.

SLM-TC leader al-Hadi Idris recently launched a campaign in North Darfur to open humanitarian access and called for a no-fly zone in the region as the Sudan Air Force bombs regularly RSF positions in the region, but also kills civilians.

The RSF currently controls four of the five Darfur states, while the Sudanese army maintains its main command in North Darfur’s capital, El Fasher.

(ST)