RSF says political deal a must before forces can vacate gov’t buildings

Mohamed El Mokhtar, advisor to Rapid Support Forces (RSF) Commander Mohamed Dagalo and member of the RSF negotiating delegation, has firmly stated that the RSF will not vacate key government buildings until a comprehensive political agreement is achieved.

His remarks come in the wake of recent talks in Geneva between the RSF and the forces of General al-Burhan (SAF).

In an interview with Radio Dabanga journalist Ashraf Abdelaziz, El Mokhtar defended the RSF’s stance, describing it as a principled decision rather than a tactical maneuver. He dismissed claims that the RSF is in a weakened position, asserting that their operational strength remains robust, as demonstrated by their recent acquisition of new military sites.

El Mokhtar also addressed concerns over the RSF’s adherence to the Jeddah Declaration, which aims to safeguard civilians. He accused the SAF leaders of using the Declaration as a pretext to avoid negotiations, claiming that the SAF’s operational limitations are the true impediment.

The RSF has reportedly taken measures to comply with the Declaration, including setting up a joint committee to oversee its implementation and securing private hospitals for the wounded. El Mokhtar also alleged that the SAF has been obstructing humanitarian aid, accusing SAF leaders such as al-Burhan and his assistant Yasir El Atta of denying aid to RSF-controlled areas.

“This misuse of humanitarian aid as a weapon against civilians contradicts the principles of the Jeddah Declaration,” El Mokhtar stated.

Addressing accusations that the RSF occupies civilian areas, El Mokhtar refuted these claims, asserting that the RSF is stationed only in military bases and strategic locations, not in private residences.

He criticized the SAF for mislabeling government sites like the General Command and the Republican Palace as ‘civilian areas.’

El Mokhtar emphasized that the RSF’s withdrawal from key government locations hinges on achieving a political settlement that addresses the underlying issues in Sudan. “Without halting military actions, people cannot return home,” he concluded.

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