Sudan cancels diplomatic passports of RSF Leaders, political figures
August 23, 2023 (KHARTOUM) – The Sudanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs has revoked the diplomatic passports of Rapid Support Forces (RSF) leaders and several former senior officials in the civilian transitional government.
In an official circular disseminated on August 20, the Sudanese Foreign Ministry issued a directive to diplomatic missions, instructing them to promptly inform the relevant authorities in their host countries about the withdrawal of diplomatic privileges from a group of 24 individuals, all of whose names were meticulously listed in the document.
Moreover, the circular directed these missions to provide the Ministry of Foreign Affairs with comprehensive photographic documentation of passport images linked to leaders belonging to “rebel groups and the Forces for Freedom and Change- Central Council.”
Among those affected by this decision are Mohamed Hamad Daglo, commonly known as “Hemetti,” who leads the RSF, as well as his spouse and his brother Abdel Rahim Daglo, the RSF’s deputy leader. Additionally, the list encompasses former Prime Minister Abdallah Hamdok, Sovereign Council member Mohammed al-Faki Suleiman, and Khaled Omer Youssef, who previously held the position of Cabinet Affairs Minister. Notably, former Foreign Minister Maryam Sadiq al-Mahdi and two former career ambassadors, Omer Manis and Noureddine Satti, are also part of the group impacted by this decision.
Reacting to the development, Youssef downplayed its significance, asserting that it underscores the grip of the previous regime over the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. In statements given to Al-Hadath TV, he revealed that he has refrained from utilizing his diplomatic passport since his departure from the ministry.
“This decision exposes the narrow-mindedness of individuals from the former regime who have seized power. Our nation is currently grappling with an unparalleled crisis and is perilously close to significant dangers. However, they seem to be engrossed in trivial matters,” he further stressed.
(ST)