Sudan's Defense Minister Reveals RSF Militia 'Failing' Under Foreign Backing

Sudan has been embroiled in a brutal and complex conflict for decades, with various factions vying for power and control over the embattled nation. The Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a militia group led by General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, who also serves as the country's Deputy Chairman of the Sovereign Council, has been accused of widespread human rights abuses, including war crimes and ethnic cleansing, particularly against the country's non-Arab populations.

The RSF has received significant support from foreign powers, including Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which have allegedly provided the group with military aid and funding. This backing has allowed the RSF to maintain its grip on power in Sudan, despite being banned by the African Union and accused of numerous atrocities.

In 2019, the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued an arrest warrant for General Dagalo, charging him with war crimes committed during the conflict in Darfur. The ICC also alleged that the RSF was involved in the targeting of civilians, including women and children, in the city of Atbarah.

Today, as the conflict in Sudan enters its fifth year, General Dagalo's admission that the RSF is 'failing' raises questions about the true nature of foreign involvement in the conflict. Is this a sign of shifting alliances or a desperate attempt to salvage a faltering regime? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the humanitarian toll of Sudan's ongoing crisis continues to mount.

The revelation by General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo that the RSF are 'failing' under foreign backing has sent shockwaves throughout Sudan. The RSF has been accused of widespread human rights abuses, including targeting civilians, women, and children. In 2020, the African Union lifted its suspension of General Dagalo, allowing him to resume his duties as Deputy Chairman of the Sovereign Council.

Despite these allegations, the RSF remains a powerful force in Sudanese politics. The group has maintained its grip on power through a combination of military might and strategic alliances with other factions. However, General Dagalo's admission that the RSF is 'failing' suggests that this grip may be beginning to slip.

In recent months, there have been reports of increasing instability within the RSF ranks. In April 2022, the group's leader, General Dagalo, announced the dissolution of the RSF's military commission, sparking concerns about the stability of the organization. This move was seen as a bid by General Dagalo to consolidate power and eliminate potential rivals.

The RSF's failure is also being felt on the battlefield. In August 2022, government forces, led by the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), launched a major offensive against the RSF in the Nubian region. The assault was seen as a significant blow to the RSF's control over the area and marked a turning point in the conflict.

The Sudan conflict reflects broader global trends in counter-terrorism and foreign intervention. The RSF's involvement in extremist groups and its alleged ties to Al-Qaeda have raised concerns about its potential for destabilizing the region. Similarly, the UAE's role in supplying arms to the RSF has been a subject of controversy, with some accusing it of perpetuating a cycle of violence and instability.

The humanitarian crisis in Sudan also reflects broader global trends in displacement and migration. The conflict has led to one of the world's worst displacement crises, with over 12 million internally displaced persons by mid-2025 and millions more fleeing abroad. This echoes the global trends of forced displacement and migration, which have been exacerbated by conflicts, climate change, and economic inequality.

The international community must address the root causes of this conflict through diplomatic means, while also providing support to those affected by the crisis. This will require a comprehensive approach that takes into account the complexities of the Sudanese conflict and the broader regional dynamics at play.

As General Dagalo's admission marks a significant moment in the evolution of Sudan's conflict, it is crucial for the international community to remain engaged and committed to finding a peaceful resolution to this crisis. The future of Sudan's conflict will depend on the ability of the international community to address the root causes of the crisis through diplomatic means, while also providing support to those affected by the crisis.

The RSF's failure under foreign backing has sparked debate about its future in Sudanese politics. With General Dagalo's admission that the group is 'failing', it remains to be seen whether this will lead to a shift in alliances or a desperate attempt to salvage a faltering regime. One thing is certain, however: the humanitarian toll of Sudan's ongoing crisis continues to mount, and the international community must remain committed to finding a peaceful resolution to this conflict.