Taqadum’s Embrace of the RSF: A Betrayal of Peace and Unity?

By Wail Mahgoub

The recent push to establish a government in RSF-controlled territory has exposed a deep rift within the Tagadum coalition. While some leaders feign surprise, the truth is that key figures within Tagadum have nurtured close ties with the RSF, meeting with its leadership on numerous occasions. This raises serious questions about their commitment to neutrality and the pursuit of peace in Sudan.

While meetings between armed groups and the RSF in the wake of the Darfur attacks can be understood as attempts to avert further bloodshed, the actions of two civilian members of Tagadum are more troubling. Mohamed Hassan Al-Taishi and Nasr Al-Din Abdul Bari have not only openly supported the RSF but actively participated in shaping its political vision. Their attendance at an RSF-organized conference in Lomé, Togo, and their subsequent alignment with the paramilitary group cast doubt on their impartiality and their role within Tagadum.

These individuals’ close association with the RSF contradicts the fundamental principles of peacebuilding: neutrality, independence, and consistency between words and actions. Their continued presence within Tagadum, a coalition claiming to represent diverse civilian and political forces, undermines its credibility and threatens its unity.

By embracing the RSF, these figures are not only jeopardizing the pursuit of peace but also lending legitimacy to a faction accused of atrocities and fuelling the flames of conflict. This raises a fundamental question: is Tagadum truly committed to a unified Sudan, or are some of its leaders prioritizing narrow alliances and furthering the country’s division?