Lieutenant General Yasir Al-Atta of the SAF claims that South Sudanese nationals constitute a significant portion of the RSF and that Sudan has been in communication with Juba about this issue for two years. He expressed dissatisfaction with Juba’s inaction, especially after recent violence against Sudanese refugees in South Sudan. Al-Atta highlighted the involvement of foreign fighters in the RSF and urged South Sudan to intervene against its citizens fighting for the militia.
A senior Sudanese general has asserted that the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) has been notifying authorities in South Sudan for two years regarding South Sudanese nationals participating in combat alongside the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Lieutenant General Yasir Al-Atta, the Assistant Commander-in-Chief of the SAF, stated that these mercenaries make up approximately 65% of the RSF. He expressed frustration over Juba’s inaction on this matter despite ongoing communications.
General Al-Atta’s comments come in the wake of recent violent incidents affecting Sudanese refugees and South Sudanese residents, following the reported death of South Sudanese individuals in Wad Madani, Sudan. This violence occurred during a crackdown on those suspected of collaborating with the RSF after the Sudanese military regained control of the region.
The general further pointed out that the RSF’s ranks also include foreign fighters from several countries, including Libya, Chad, Ethiopia, the Central African Republic, Colombia, and Syria, as well as elements associated with Russia’s Wagner Group. He claimed that the original leaders of the Janjaweed make up merely 5% of the RSF.
While expressing trust in South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir, Al-Atta urged the nation’s media and security agencies to take action against South Sudanese mercenaries involved with the RSF. He emphasized the Sudanese military’s commitment to enforcing the law and prosecuting mercenaries under General Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan’s leadership.
The ongoing conflict in Sudan has seen various armed groups involved, including the RSF, which has alleged support from foreign actors. Reports of violence in South Sudan, particularly against Sudanese refugees, have raised significant concern. The involvement of South Sudanese nationals in combat roles alongside the RSF highlights complexities within the conflict that involves regional relations and internal security issues. Al-Atta’s statements reflect the Sudanese military’s perspective on maintaining sovereignty and addressing the militia’s operations.
In conclusion, Lieutenant General Yasir Al-Atta has reiterated allegations concerning the involvement of South Sudanese fighters with the RSF while emphasizing the importance of cooperation between Sudan and South Sudan to address this issue. The Sudanese military remains steadfast in its intent to uphold the rule of law and combat the operations of mercenaries within its borders amid ongoing humanitarian concerns and allegations of atrocities committed by the RSF.
Original Source: sudantribune.com
