Sudan Calls for RSF to be declared terrorist organization
September 21, 2023 (NEW YOR) – Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan, Sovereign Council Chairman, has urged the international community to classify the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) as a terrorist organization due to their alleged war crimes, crimes against humanity, and the extensive destruction they have caused in Sudan.
Al-Burhan delivered Sudan’s address to the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on Thursday, a day before the Sudanese government’s announced date, possibly as a strategic move to mislead adversaries and prevent potential confusion.
In his speech, Al-Burhan accused the paramilitary forces, which have been in conflict with the Sudanese army since April, of committing heinous acts such as murder, looting, theft, rape, the occupation of civilians’ homes and property, and the destruction of infrastructure, including hospitals, service facilities, and government offices in Khartoum and the Darfur region.
“We call upon you, Mr President (of the UNGA), and the international community to recognize them as terrorist organizations and unite against them to safeguard the Sudanese people, the region, and even global security.”
Al-Burhan further criticized the African Union and Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), demanding they break free from external influences and fulfil their responsibilities to ensure the region’s peace and security.
“I must emphasize here the need for our regional organizations to assert their independence and prioritize the interests of African peoples to regain the trust of the continent. We will not seek anyone’s participation in resolving our issues based on their interests or those of their nations,” he stated.
Sudan has rejected the African Union’s involvement due to its suspension from the organization after the October 25, 2021, coup but accepted the mediation role of IGAD, provided that a country other than Kenya assumes the chairmanship of the quartet group.
It’s worth noting that the U.S. administration recently imposed economic sanctions on Deputy Commander of the Rapid Support Forces, Abdel Rahim Daglo, and one of its leaders in West Darfur, amid concerns that the Biden administration might be seen as lenient toward the paramilitary forces’ alleged crimes in Darfur.
However, the international community has shown reluctance in addressing war crimes and human rights violations in Khartoum. At the same time, regional countries with strong economic ties to the RSF have not adhered to the sanctions imposed by Washington against the paramilitary group.
Al-Burhan underscored that the RSF have become a “threat to regional and global peace and security.” He further claimed that rebel groups have sought assistance from outlawed and terrorist organizations from various countries, potentially expanding the conflict beyond Sudan’s borders.
“Regional and international interventions to support these groups have become evident and overt, signifying the spark that could ignite the entire region, impacting regional security and neighbouring nations directly,” he warned.
(ST)