IGAD condemns RSF crimes for the first time
January 29, 2026 (KHARTOUM) – In a milestone shift, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) announced on Thursday its formal condemnation of crimes committed by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a move promptly welcomed by the Sudanese government.
Historically, the regional bloc has avoided issuing statements that hold the RSF solely accountable without also mentioning the Sudanese army. IGAD communications have typically maintained a neutral stance, calling on both warring parties to cease hostilities and adhere to a political resolution.
The condemnation follows a visit by Prime Minister Kamel El-Tayeb Idris to Djibouti, the current chair of IGAD, where he held consultations with Executive Secretary Dr Workneh Gebeyehu and met with President Ismail Omar Guelleh.
“The IGAD Secretariat, through its Executive Secretary, condemns all forms of violations committed by the Rapid Support Forces and reaffirms its full support for the unity and sovereignty of the Republic of the Sudan, as well as its existing national institutions,” the regional body said in a formal statement.
The organization further welcomed Sudan’s National Initiative to bring peace and stability to the country and urged Khartoum to return to the regional body. IGAD reiterated its readiness to welcome the Republic of the Sudan back into its institutional framework.
Sudan suspended its IGAD membership on Jan. 20, 2024, in protest of the inclusion of RSF commander Mohamed Hamdan “Hemedti” Dagalo in a heads-of-state summit held in Kampala, Uganda.
The Sudanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs quickly issued a statement welcoming the communiqué, condemning RSF violations and affirming support for Sudan’s sovereignty. The ministry extended its gratitude to President Guelleh and the IGAD Executive Secretary for their stance.
The RSF has been accused of committing severe atrocities throughout the conflict, including genocide, mass killings, ethnically targeted violence, and sexual assault. The group is also accused of forced displacement and the systematic looting and destruction of civilian infrastructure, including healthcare facilities and water resources.