General Mohamed Dagalo of the RSF threatens to attack the Port of Sudan, risking the country’s revenue amid ongoing civil war. Heavy fighting is reported around Khartoum, with RSF pushing towards the presidential palace. Millions of civilians have been displaced, facing severe conditions, while U.S. sanctions target both military leaders for human rights violations.
The leader of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), General Mohamed Dagalo, has asserted that they might be compelled to attack the Port of Sudan, which could drastically impact Sudan’s revenue amidst its ongoing civil war that is severely affecting civilians. Heavy fighting continues in the suburbs of Khartoum, where RSF is reportedly achieving significant advances against the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF), led by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, with the presidential palace as their primary objective.
In a statement posted on social media, General Dagalo declared, “Monday is the anniversary of the creation of the Rapid Support Forces and we will turn it into a day of regret and grief for the army.” He indicated that the RSF would adopt a more aggressive fighting strategy, promising to come from all directions to ultimately prevail against the SAF.
For the past year, General al-Burhan and his team have been operating out of the strategically essential Port of Sudan, which generates substantial revenue for the nation. General Dagalo has threatened to target various cities north of the capital, specifically mentioning Atbara, Shendi, and Dongola, supposedly to confront those who supported the ousted dictator Omar Al Bashir and allied with the army against the RSF.
The conflict, which erupted in April 2023 following escalating tensions between the two generals, has primarily affected Khartoum while the north and east of Sudan have remained relatively untouched. The RSF made significant gains initially, seizing the international airport, government buildings, and military bases, although they face overwhelming resistance in the capital’s three main cities: Khartoum, Bahri, and Omdurman.
General Dagalo, who has established a parallel government in Nairobi, affirmed his commitment to safeguarding the presidential palace. Reports indicate that RSF forces have advanced to within 2 kilometers of the palace, taking control of significant structures nearby. Analyst Osman Al Mirghani noted Dagalo’s statements appeared unfocused and indicative of desperation, lacking a coherent strategy.
As the war continues into its third year, millions of civilians have been displaced. Post the ousting of Omar al-Bashir in 2019, lawlessness in the capital has escalated. In response, Lieutenant Yasser Al Atta, a senior aide to General al-Burhan, has called for immediate measures to counter rising crime rates, urging security personnel to resume their duties.
Mr. Al Mirghani commented on the dire situation, referencing the return of displaced residents to cities like Wad Medani, only to flee again due to civilian abuses by armed volunteers. The U.S. government has imposed sanctions on both military leaders for human rights violations and has been advocating for an immediate end to hostilities, as the internal strife has led to numerous casualties.
The conflict in Sudan continues to escalate, with threats from RSF leader General Dagalo of an attack on the Port of Sudan, which may severely impact the nation’s revenue. As heavy fighting unfolds in and around Khartoum, millions of civilians face displacement and dire living conditions. The situation remains precarious, with calls from the U.S. government for an end to hostilities and the urgent need for restored order in the capital and surrounding regions.
Original Source: www.garoweonline.com