Leader of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), Mohamed Hamdan Daglo, also referred to as Hemetti, stated on Monday that he will continue to attend peace negotiations in Geneva and charged that the Sudanese army is sabotaging the talks because of Islamist influence. Hemetti reiterated his acceptance of the offer to participate in peace negotiations, which are set to start on August 14th and are supported by the United States.
Hemetti declared in a statement, “This is our firm and unwavering commitment to the Sudanese people.” “We genuinely want to end the war now, without delay, and we will bring that desire to the forthcoming negotiations.” Citing the army’s pullout from earlier meetings in Jeddah and its nonattendance at a suggested conference in Kampala earlier this year, he denounced the army for its purported lack of commitment to peace. In addition, Hemetti charged that the army, in contrast to the RSF, had been stalling in the run-up to the Geneva negotiations by making no firm promises about the provision of humanitarian aid or protection for civilians.
The RSF leader went on to say that Sudan does not now have a legal government, calling the Port Sudan officials a “gang” that is simply out to steal the nation’s riches. In order to participate in the Geneva discussions, the Sudanese government has established some requirements, such as being represented by the government rather than just the military and insisting that the Jeddah Agreement from May 2023 be implemented before any further talks can place.
The violence in Sudan, which erupted in April and has resulted in a humanitarian crisis and extensive displacement, is thought to be resolved in large part through the Geneva negotiations.
Using force to keep citizens safe
Hemetti stressed that the only way to put an end to tragedies and violations of human rights in Sudan is to terminate the war, bring about peace, and go back to civilian authority before a full democratic transition. In order to give Sudan the opportunity to create a new future free from the grip of the previous dictatorship, he reaffirmed his commitment to a democratic transition and the total withdrawal of the military from the country. He pledged to put security, necessities, and lessening the pain brought on by the conflict first.
He blamed illicit groups for the abuses of human rights and the absence of security, expressing profound worry.”We have defeated the last bastions of the previous government, but criminal organizations and outlaws continue to pose a threat to public safety. We’re going to keep going at them with determination,” Hemetti said.
The commander of the Rapid Support Forces declared the immediate creation of a special force to defend civilians, which would progressively grow to guarantee public safety, provide safe reunification with their families, and remove security risks. He listed the main responsibilities of the force, which included security foreign organizations and assistance personnel, supporting humanitarian operations, defending civilian infrastructure, and preserving human life and property.
The force, he continued, will work with civilian governments to enforce the law and protect civilians, assist in the voluntary repatriation of displaced individuals, and support the Sudanese Agency for Relief and Humanitarian Operations (SARHO) in delivering relief.
