Darfur group denies alliance with Sudanese paramilitary forces

August 22, 2023 (KHARTOUM) – The Gathering of Sudan Liberation Forces (GSLF), under the leadership of Tahir Hajer, a member of the Sovereign Council, has categorically rejected assertions of its involvement in the recent armoured corps clashes alongside the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

Reports circulating on various social media platforms have alleged that the GSLF’s armed units took part in assaults targeting the RSF’s armoured units.

In an exclusive conversation with Sudan Tribune, GSLF’s spokesperson, Fathi Osman, singled out specific entities and individuals with apparent political motives for disseminating unfounded claims aimed at sullying the movement’s reputation.

Osman firmly affirmed that the GSLF does not maintain a military presence in Khartoum, the capital city. He fervently discredited all allegations insinuating the participation of their fighters in what he described as a groundless conflict, emphasizing the complete absence of any credible evidence to support such assertions.

“We explicitly declare to all those who may attempt to link us with fabrications that there exists an unmistakable divide between us and dishonesty,” he stated resolutely.

He highlighted the movement’s steadfast commitment to maintaining neutrality amid the ongoing hostilities. He strongly appealed to the warring factions to promptly halt their confrontations and instead seek solutions to alleviate the suffering of the Sudanese population.

In the aftermath of the outbreak of hostilities between the national army and the paramilitary RSF in mid-April, the GSLF, which is a signatory of the Juba Peace Agreement, has chosen to refrain from involvement in the current conflict between Sudan’s military components.

(ST)