In a stark signal that the conflict in Sudan is far from over, Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, the leader of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and widely known as Hemetti, has vowed to continue military operations, stating his forces are prepared for a prolonged war despite international pressure for a ceasefire.
Addressing RSF officers from an undisclosed location this past Wednesday, Hemetti accused the Sudanese military leadership of deliberately obstructing efforts to end the hostilities. He argued that the RSF has consistently shown a willingness to negotiate, but claimed the army views such diplomatic overtures as signs of weakness.
"Can a war stop from one side only?" Hemetti questioned, emphasizing that a negotiated settlement is the only viable path forward, yet asserting that his forces will not cease fighting until such an agreement is reached.
A significant point of the address was Hemetti's claim regarding the expansion of his forces. According to the RSF commander, the group's ranks have grown substantially since the fighting first erupted in April 2023, increasing from approximately 143,000 fighters to 450,000. Hemetti suggested that this growth reflects broader support for the RSF, while simultaneously accusing the Sudanese army of relying on allied militias and factions linked to Islamist ideologies.
The commitment to a long-term conflict is particularly alarming given the current humanitarian landscape. Hemetti indicated that his forces could potentially continue fighting for decades if necessary, even as Sudan remains gripped by one of the world's most severe humanitarian disasters. United Nations data indicates that the war has already displaced 14 million people and caused widespread devastation of critical national infrastructure.
While accusing the army of targeting civilians and infrastructure, Hemetti claimed the RSF has the military capacity to intensify its operations but has chosen to exercise restraint. He concluded by renewing his call for the establishment of a national army that is entirely free from political or ideological influence.
As famine warnings persist and international calls for peace grow louder, the RSF's stance suggests a challenging road ahead for diplomacy in the region.
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RSF vow to continue conflict in Sudan amid stalled peace efforts
cgtn.com
