Sudan exonerates Salva Kiir’s government from supporting the Rapid Support Forces militia
Foreign Minister and Minister of International Cooperation, Ambassador Mohi El-Din Salem, stated that the support provided by some neighboring countries to the rebel Rapid Support Forces militia in this war is a proven fact, attested to by numerous international parties. He pointed out that interventions in the war against Sudan from Ethiopia in Kurmuk in the Blue Nile region, and from Chad and Libya from the west, among others, are undeniable facts, especially since many countries and external entities have confirmed them.
In a joint interview with the Sudan News Agency and National Television, the Minister said that the Sudanese government is acting as a responsible state and is dealing with these matters according to established norms and procedures in such cases. He noted that Sudan, despite this, is hosting refugees from these countries that have attacked it, and he condemned the aggression of these parties, given that Sudan has not attacked anyone.
He clarified that South Sudan, as a state, has no proven involvement in supporting militias, but that there are groups and rogue elements outside the government’s control participating in the war and aggression against Sudanese citizens.
He stated that the relationship with Ethiopia requires a degree of balance, noting that there is a level of communication with them. He added that if Ethiopia wishes to pursue peace with Sudan, the government has no objection, and that the government is working based on current realities and in accordance with the people’s wishes.
He pointed out that some neighboring countries, such as Kenya, have begun to improve their positions, indicating that the government is responding positively to these steps. He noted that communication with African countries has not ceased despite the suspension of activities within the African Union, emphasizing that Sudan does not wish to deteriorate its relations with any neighbor except those who choose to do so.
He praised the positions of some countries that he said stood firmly and clearly with Sudan and its people, such as Eritrea and Egypt. He noted that Sudan’s post-war diplomatic stances toward other countries would be based on an assessment of their positions during the militia war crisis, explaining that Sudan’s international relations must be shaped by the image that emerged during the war.
He criticized the positions of some Sudanese political forces that call for an immediate end to the war and for dialogue without justification, while the militia continues its aggression, rebellion, and various violations against Sudan and the Sudanese people. He questioned how dialogue with them could be conducted under such circumstances, saying, “We have seen and followed the opposition throughout Sudan’s history, and it has never been like this.” He pointed out that the majority of citizens stand with their army and fight alongside it.
He declared Sudan’s insistence that the militia have no role in the future. He said, “We are open to dialogue if others adjust their positions. We are a stable nation, and we deal with these matters with both positive and negative aspects.”