White Nile’s volunteers prepare to join the fight against RSF in Khartoum
September 20, 2023 (KOSTI) – The Governor of White Nile State, Omer Al-Khalifa Abdallah, has announced the successful graduation of the first volunteer group as they prepare to join the army in the fight against the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in the capital, Khartoum.
In response to escalating threats from RSF paramilitary forces to expand hostilities into Sudan’s northern and central regions, the army established training camps across the country to militarily prepare young volunteers for combat and safeguard their regions from potential RSF attacks.
During a graduation ceremony for the first group of volunteers at the Al-Jabalin locality camps, Governor Omer Al-Khalifa stated, “The trained young volunteers represent crucial support for the army in its struggle against the Janjaweed militia in Khartoum.” He emphasized the readiness of mobilization camps across White Nile localities to produce more graduates to join the army’s efforts against the RSF.
On April 15, a significant conflict erupted between the army and the Rapid Support Forces, extending across large areas of Khartoum, Kordofan, and Darfur states, displacing 5.25 million individuals from their homes.
Major General Sami Al-Tayeb, Commander of the 18th Infantry Division in White Nile State, highlighted that the young men who entered the training camps chose to defend their people and their nation and stand alongside the army in its battle against the rebel militia. He emphasized that the remarkable military parade conducted by the mobilized youth reaffirmed their preparedness to assist the army in the Battle of Khartoum.
The army officially declared the RSF paramilitary group “a rebellious militia against the state”.
The ongoing conflict has severely damaged the country’s infrastructure, leading to a 42% decline in the Sudanese economy, as reported by the United Nations. At the same time, half of the nation’s population desperately needs humanitarian assistance and protection.
(ST)