Sudanese authorities investigate alleged refugee involvement in RSF-led fighting
December 1, 2023 (KHARTOUM) – The Commission for Refugees (COR) in Sudan has initiated an investigation into allegations that refugees from neighbouring countries have been fighting alongside the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) against the Sudanese army.
COR has confirmed that it is closely monitoring reports and video footage circulating online that appear to show refugees participating in the armed conflict with the RSF, which has been engaged in clashes with the Sudanese army since mid-April 2023.
In a press statement issued on Thursday, COR emphasized that international law grants host countries the authority to revoke refugee status if individuals violate national or international laws.
The statement underscored that COR will not hesitate to take legal action against refugees who engage in activities outside of refugee camps, particularly those that are hostile to the host country and involve fighting against its people and army.
Similar reports surfaced last October, indicating the presence of South Sudanese fighters wielding heavy artillery within the RSF ranks, particularly in the Khartoum Bahri area. Previous reports also suggested the involvement of Ethiopian snipers among these forces.
COR disclosed that reports indicate that these mercenary fighters have been recruited from refugee camps situated in various regions across Sudan.
The commission condemned the participation of what it termed foreign mercenaries in the ongoing conflict between the RSF and the Sudanese army. It pledged to thoroughly investigate the allegations to verify whether these individuals were indeed residing in Sudanese refugee camps.
COR stressed that if the involvement of refugees in the fighting is confirmed, it will take legal measures in accordance with international and national asylum laws.
“The Asylum Law of 2014 and international laws grant the host country the right to withdraw and cancel refugee status in the event that an individual violates these laws,” the statement read. “This means revoking their international protection and subjecting them to prosecution under Sudanese law.”
The armed conflict between the Sudanese army and the RSF erupted in mid-April in Khartoum before escalating to several states in the Darfur and Kordofan regions.
(ST)