Ankara: Sudan has expressed its approval of US Secretary of State Marco Rubio's recent call to cease the supply of arms to the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Foreign Minister Mohieldin Salem emphasized that halting the flow of weapons to the RSF is crucial in addressing the violence and unrest perpetrated by the group.
According to Anadolu Agency, Minister Salem issued a statement highlighting the importance of explicitly identifying the RSF as a 'terrorist militia' responsible for atrocities against civilians. He suggested that the international community must recognize the RSF as a 'terrorist organization' to better understand the situation in Sudan and distinguish between the national army and the militia.
Minister Salem praised Secretary Rubio for acknowledging the RSF's actions and urged the international community to heed the call to stop arms supplies to the group. He warned of the potential consequences of inaction, citing the RSF's siege of Dilling, Kadugli, and Babnousa, and the risk of a repeat of events in El-Fasher.
Secretary Rubio reiterated the urgency of cutting off weapons and support to the RSF during a G7 foreign ministers' meeting in Niagara, Canada. He stressed the need to address the external assistance the RSF is receiving to prevent further advances and worsening humanitarian conditions.
El-Basha Tibeig, an adviser to RSF leader Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, criticized Rubio's statements, claiming they could hinder US-led efforts to establish a humanitarian truce in Sudan.
The conflict between the Sudanese army and the RSF, ongoing since April 2023, has resulted in significant loss of life and displacement. The World Health Organization reports that at least 40,000 people have been killed, and approximately 12 million have been displaced. The RSF currently controls all five Darfur states, while the Sudanese army maintains control over the remaining states, including the capital, Khartoum.