August 31, 2024 (KHARTOUM) – The head of Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has ordered his troops to protect civilians and ensure aid reaches those affected by the ongoing conflict with the Sudanese army, a statement said on Thursday.
The RSF has been battling the army since April 2023 in a war that has created a major humanitarian crisis. The paramilitary group has been accused of widespread abuses, including the occupation of hospitals and other civilian infrastructure.
In a statement posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, RSF leader General Mohamed Hamdan Daglo, widely known as Hemetti, said he had issued “an administrative directive to all forces … regarding a number of commitments related to enhancing the protection of civilians and facilitating the delivery of humanitarian aid.”
He called on his troops to abide by international humanitarian law, warning that violators would be held accountable.
The statement said the directive aimed to fulfil the RSF’s commitments made in talks in Jeddah and Manama on protecting civilians and ensuring aid access.
Last week, the United States and Saudi Arabia, who have been mediating between the warring sides, said they had secured assurances from both the army and the RSF to allow aid to Darfur to pass through two key crossings into the country.
US envoy issues cautious welcome
The U.S special envoy for Sudan has reacted with a cautious welcome to an RSF directive instructing his fighters to protect civilians and not obstruct humanitarian access.
The envoy’s statement highlighted the RSF’s history of atrocities and questioned whether the new code of conduct would translate into meaningful change on the ground.
“The RSF has a long and documented history of committing horrific atrocities, particularly against the women and children of Sudan,” the envoy said.
“While today’s command directive requiring adherence to international humanitarian law and civilian protection is a first, the real test will be whether we see a change in behaviour and accountability for the RSF’s crimes against the Sudanese people.”
The envoy’s statement comes amid the ongoing conflict in Sudan, which has caused a severe humanitarian crisis. The international community has repeatedly called for all parties to the conflict to respect international humanitarian law and allow unhindered access for aid organizations.
The RSF’s new directive has been met with mixed reactions, with some observers expressing hope that it could lead to a reduction in violence against civilians. However, others remain sceptical, pointing to the RSF’s past actions and the difficulty of enforcing such a directive in a chaotic conflict zone.