 |
| Image Source: Al-Jazeera |
Sudan's civil war, which erupted in April between the army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), has taken a complex turn as RSF leader Mohamed Hamdan "Hemedti" Dagalo signals ambitions beyond negotiations.
Hemedti's recent African tour to secure regional support and political legitimacy has raised eyebrows, with analysts speculating on his goal of ruling the entire country.
Hemedti's Regional Diplomacy:
After the outbreak of the civil war, Hemedti went into hiding, sparking rumors about his well-being. However, he resurfaced with a photo-op alongside Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, followed by visits to Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, Ghana, and Djibouti.
Analysts believe that rather than using military success for negotiation leverage, Hemedti is aiming to secure regional backing to capture all of Sudan from the army.
Ambition to Rule Sudan:
Despite the RSF's capture of Gezira state, a crucial region for Sudan's food supply, Hemedti seems to be eyeing more than just military victories.
Analysts, journalists, and diplomats suggest that he is positioning himself as a potential ruler of Sudan. Kholood Khair, a Sudan expert, emphasizes Hemedti's need for the RSF to be perceived as a governing force, prompting his diplomatic engagements with heads of state.
Derailing Ceasefire Talks:
Hemedti's interactions with the army chief, Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, under the umbrella of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), have been marked by delays and a perceived lack of commitment to ceasefire talks.
Analysts suspect that these maneuvers serve as a distraction to buy time for ongoing military operations, casting doubt on the sincerity of mediation efforts.
Challenges to RSF's Governance:
While the RSF has expanded its control by capturing states to the north and east, challenges loom on the horizon. The paramilitary's recruitment from its tribal base in Darfur, coupled with allegations of atrocities and cruelty, has generated resentment and opposition from the Sudanese populace.
The RSF's attempts to establish law and order are met with skepticism, as it faces accusations of being responsible for theft, violence, and lawlessness.
International Partnerships:
Despite concerns about Hemedti's rule, a Western diplomat suggests that European countries may cooperate with the RSF if it captures the entire country.
The diplomat argues that, in the interest of curbing migration from Africa to Europe, the European Union has a history of forming partnerships with strongman leaders. Past cooperation with the RSF on migration issues raises questions about potential future collaboration, even if reluctantly.
Conclusion:
As Hemedti continues his diplomatic efforts and military operations, Sudan remains at a critical juncture. The international community watches closely, balancing concerns about human rights abuses with pragmatic considerations of stability in the region.
The RSF's actions will likely shape
Sudan's future, prompting a delicate dance between regional dynamics and global
interests.
(Courtesy: Al-Jazeera)
Also Read: Sudan Crisis 2023: An Introduction
0 Comments