KHARTOUM (Reuters) - Sudan’s army has warned of a risk of confrontation after mobilizations by a powerful paramilitary group, underlining growing strains between the rival forces and a potential complication in moves to restore civilian rule.
It could spell prolonged strife across a vast country already dealing with economic breakdown and flare-ups of tribal violence.
The mobilization by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) headed by General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo represented a “clear violation of law,” the army said in a rare comment on a dispute that has hampered a planned transition to democracy.
“These movements and deployments happened without the agreement of the leadership of the armed forces or even coordination with it,” the army spokesman said.
“Their continuation will lead to more tension and divisions that could lead to insecurity in the country.”
Western ambassadors from the United States, the United Kingdom and Europe said they were “deeply concerned” by the escalation which they said threatened to derail ongoing talks.
The RSF emerged from militias involved in the conflict in Darfur which broke out 20 years ago, and has been accused of human rights abuses. It operates under its own legal code and chain of command.
The RSF joined with the military to overthrow long-ruling Islamist strong man Omar Hassan al-Bashir in a coup in 2019. The two forces then carried out another coup in October 2021.
Relations between the military and the RSF have since deteriorated, forcing a delay in the signing of an internationally backed agreement with political parties for a two-year, civilian-led transition to free elections.
The army statement advised politicians not to get involved in tensions inflamed by negotiations on the integration of the RSF within the military as part of the new deal.
Dagalo, better known in Sudan as Hemedti, has said he regrets the coup and supports the UN, Western- and Gulf-backed transition deal to help prevent the resurgence of pro-Bashir Islamists, a concern shared by civilian political parties.
In a call with special envoys from the United States, UK and Norway, Hemedti said he was committed to an initial framework deal signed in December, according to a statement from his office late on Thursday.