Egypt Responds to Hemedti’s Threats

Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdel-Aty revealed the reason for Egypt’s lack of an official response to the recent statements by Rapid Support Forces (RSF) commander Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (Hemedti), regarding his threat to bomb airports in countries neighboring Sudan.

Abdel-Aty added, during an interview on the “Happening in Egypt” program on MBC Egypt channel on Tuesday evening: “Egypt is a major country that respects itself and its commitments. It is also a civilized country with strategic patience and a forward-looking perspective.”

Egypt’s Neutrality and Support for the Sudanese People

The Egyptian Foreign Minister indicated that “Egypt’s first and last interest is achieving the interest of the Sudanese people,” emphasizing that “Egypt’s hand is clean in all neighboring countries and the world at large.” The minister continued, emphasizing the integrity of the Egyptian position: “Thank God, our hands are clean in Sudan, Libya, all neighboring countries, and the entire world. Our hands are not stained with the blood of innocents. As President Sisi said, Egyptian foreign policy is conducted with honor at a time when honor is scarce.”

Hemedti Threatens to Bomb Neighboring Airports and Questions Air Support

Abdel-Aati’s statements came in response to Hemedti’s threats in late October, when he threatened to bomb a neighboring country of Sudan, claiming that warplanes had taken off from its territory, and deeming those airports “legitimate targets.” Bloggers and analysts considered Hemedti’s threats to be veiled against Egypt, which he had previously attacked explicitly, claiming it was providing air support to the Sudanese army in its battles against the Rapid Support Forces. Others, however, believed that “he certainly did not mean Egypt because he knows the consequences.” Egypt has previously affirmed its full support for Sudanese state institutions, especially the army, calling for a ceasefire, a humanitarian truce, and an end to the suffering of the Sudanese people.