Tagadum reiterates need to condemn RSF and army over war crimes in Sudan

July 7, 2024 (CAIRO) –  Babikir Faisal, a leader of the pro-peace coalition Tagadum, confirmed that their anti-war forces are for the condemnation of human rights violations by both warring parties in Sudan’s ongoing conflict, including the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

Faisal criticized representatives of the pro-military Democratic Bloc, who refrained from signing the final statement due to its lack of explicit condemnation of the RSF, which they hold primarily responsible for grave abuses against civilians.

Faisal argued that reports by the United Nations indicate both sides have committed violations, and emphasized that Tagadum did not oppose condemning the Rapid Support Forces’ war crimes. In return, he accused the pro-military coalition of refusing to acknowledge the army’s culpability.

The refusal of leaders from the Sudan Liberation Movement, the Justice and Equality Movement, and the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement to sign the statement, Faisal claimed, reveals a divide between those who seek peace and those who advocate for continued war.

Faisal further revealed that delegates from the pro-military groups participated in the drafting committee and initially approved the final statement, accusing them of backtracking on their agreement.

Tagadum has been accused of supporting the RSF and downplaying its crimes, but the coalition maintains that both the RSF and the army should be held accountable for war crimes.

During a meeting with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, the need for a comprehensive political solution that preserves Sudan’s integrity and unity was emphasized. Faisal expressed Tagadum’s willingness to engage positively with these proposals.

Faisal concluded by characterizing the Cairo conference as a starting point in a process that must continue to unite civilian forces to stop the war.

The Cairo conference was a first meeting gathering all the leaders of the political forces in Sudan except the Sudanese Islamists of the former regime.

The African Union plans to hold another meeting in Addis Ababa in a few days. However, many believe that their efforts to include the Islamists in the political process might further divide the political forces in Sudan, as they are already divided over their involvement at this stage.

(ST)