Sudan files lawsuits against 12 alleged mercenaries, says spokesperson

August 22, 2024 (PORT SUDAN) – Sudan has filed lawsuits against 12 alleged mercenaries from African and Arab countries, a government spokesperson said on Thursday, as the conflict between the army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) enters its fifth month.

The government accuses the RSF of using mercenaries from neighbouring countries in the conflict that erupted on April 15.

“Cases have been opened against 12 foreign mercenaries … and they will be tried later,” Information Minister and government spokesperson Graham Abdel Gadir said.

He added that the public prosecutor has registered 15,868 cases against RSF leaders and members and issued arrest warrants for 16 of their collaborators.

In April, arrest warrants were issued for former Prime Minister Abdallah Hamdok and 16 other opposition leaders, accused of inciting war against the state. The coalition described the charges as malicious.

Abdel Gadir also said the RSF released 19,481 inmates from more than 39 prisons, leading to violations against civilians and looting.

He reiterated accusations that the RSF is recruiting children, saying 4,500 have been killed and 216 cases of rape have been committed.

He added that the Humanitarian Aid Commission is taking steps to open the Adre border crossing with Chad so that aid can be delivered to Darfur.

The government has issued 1,452 visas to humanitarian workers and granted 542 permits for trucks to cross the Al-Tina border with Chad.

Some 25.6 million Sudanese are facing severe hunger, and famine has been declared in a camp for displaced people in North Darfur.