Hemetti: Islamist movement derailed Manama peace deal
June 16, 2024 (PORT SUDAN) – Rapid Support Forces (RSF) commander Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (Hemetti) alleged on Sunday that the army withdrew from peace negotiations in Manama last February due to pressure from Islamists, despite a peace agreement having been reached between the two sides.
The two sides avoided to speak about Manama talks, which reportedly was organized by Egypt with the participation of Saudi, US and UAE facilitators. The army and the RSF were represented by army deputy commander Shams el-Din Kabbashi and RSF second-in-command Abdel Rahim Daglo.
In a recorded Eid al-Adha speech, Hemetti stated that the Manama negotiations aimed to achieve a peace deal to end the war and remove the military from power. He claimed the army representative left the day before the draft agreement was to be discussed.
Hemetti further asserted the army apologized for their absence, citing pressure from the Islamic Movement, which he alleges controls the army’s decisions. He contrasted this with the RSF’s commitment to peace, highlighting their participation in Jeddah talks with “sincere intentions.”
While welcoming regional peace initiatives, Hemetti emphasized the RSF’s “hands remain extended for peace.”
The army has consistently refused negotiations until the RSF implements a May 2023 agreement involving troop withdrawals and humanitarian access. They also demand the disarmament of RSF fighters. Unconfirmed reports suggest the Manama draft did not include RSF withdrawal from occupied cities.
Accusations over El Fasher and Wad al-Noura violence
Hemetti also addressed recent violence in Sudan, blaming the fighting in El Fasher on armed movements that sided with the army, while accusing the army, security forces, and Islamic Movement elements of the killings in Wad al-Noura village, Al-Jazirah State.
The RSF leader blamed the violence in El Fasher, North Darfur, on armed groups aligned with the Sudanese army. He claimed these groups abandoned neutrality and were responsible for the ongoing conflict.
Regarding the Wad al-Noura massacre, Hemetti denied RSF responsibility, attributing the violence to a military clash involving the army, security forces, Islamic Movement elements, and mobilized supporters. This contradicts claims by local resistance committees and the government that the RSF was responsible for the deaths of at least 100 civilians.
Hemetti vowed that the RSF would defend itself against what he termed “remnants of the old regime” within the army and intelligence services, promising to rid Sudan of their influence.