Sudan urges Non-Aligned Movement to label RSF as ‘rebel militia’

September 23, 2024 (NEW YORK) – Sudan’s foreign minister called on the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) on Monday to designate the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) as a “rebel militia”, echoing similar calls by other regional and international bodies.

Hussein Awad Ali made the appeal during a NAM ministerial meeting in New York, held on the sidelines of the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly.

“The RSF should be classified as a rebel militia, similar to the decision of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, the Arab League, and the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region,” Ali said in a statement.

He accused the RSF of being backed by regional allies and targeting civilians while asserting that the Sudanese army is fulfilling its duty to defend the country.

The NAM meeting, attended by most foreign ministers of the member states, was held under the theme: “Protecting civilians in armed conflict: A stand of solidarity with the Palestinian people.”

Ali also used the platform to condemn the ongoing conflict in Gaza, calling it a “challenge to the international will” and warning of a greater catastrophe if the international community fails to act.

On Sunday, Ali participated in the Future Summit at the UN headquarters, where he reiterated his call for the international community to condemn the RSF and adhere to commitments on prohibiting the supply of arms to rebel groups.