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Sudan Tribune

Plural news and views on Sudan

Sudan Tribune

Plural news and views on Sudan

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South Sudan rebel leader denies meeting RSF boss

Hemetti

Mohamed Hamdan Daglo speaks at a press conference in Khartoum, on April 30, 2019. (AP)

July 19, 2024 (JUBA) – A South Sudanese rebel leader has denied  reports that a meeting took place with the leader of Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF), pledging his commitment to the Kenya-mediated peace talks.
Media reports, citing unidentified sources, claimed that The South Sudan People’s Movement/Army (SSPM/A) under the leadership of Chairman and Commander-in-Chief Gen. Stephen Buoy Rolnyang recently traveled to United Arab Emirates, and met with RSF leader Gen. Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo.
The group, in a statement, described as false claims that Gen. Buoy was paid USD 10 million for helping the RSF defeat and eject the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) from several of their bases in the ongoing war in Sudan.
“The assertion that the leader of the SSPM/A, in conjunction with the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), convened in Abu Dhabi and subsequently traveled to Khartoum to strategize an offensive aimed at South Sudan’s oilfields is entirely false. Furthermore, Sixty 4 Tribes claimed that a sum of USD 10 million was transferred to the SSPM/A following their purported capture of significant territories in Sudan, namely Sennar, Blue Nile, and South Kordofan States,” the statement reads.

“These allegations are baseless and lack any credibility. It is imperative to clarify that the SSPM/A has not engaged in any agreements, nor has it involved itself in the conflict within Sudan.”

“Contrary to the reports, our leader did not engage with the RSF leadership or participate in any joint initiatives but departed Nairobi earlier this week for undisclosed security measures and the urgent medical care of a close relative facing severe health concerns.”

The statement said that the SSPM/A remains steadfast in its commitment to the ongoing Tumaini (Hope) Initiative negotiations in Nairobi, Kenya, a crucial platform for the opposition.

“Our nation is in dire need of lasting peace, and it is only through unity and collective efforts that we can strive towards building a prosperous future,” the statement concluded. “Let us join hands in fostering peace and harmony, for it is through this collective resolve that we shall pave the way for a brighter tomorrow. May peace prevail by the Grace of God”, noted the statement.

The South Sudan People’s Movement/Army is one of the armed opposition groups with fighters spread along the Sudan and South Sudan border and is believed to have reached an understanding with the leadership of the Sudanese paramilitary RSF to partake in the military offensive to take control of oil processing town of Heglig presently still being occupied by the Sudanese armed forces.
The RSF intends to control and provide a host to South Sudanese rebel groups with which it would provide joint protection to the oil companies in the area.

(ST)

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