Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, leader of Sudan’s powerful Rapid Support Forces (RSF), held talks in Kenya on Wednesday as part of a regional diplomatic push to end the ongoing war in his home country. This visit marks the latest leg of Dagalo’s first trip abroad since fierce fighting erupted between the RSF and the Sudanese army in April 2023.
President William Ruto of Kenya hosted Dagalo and expressed appreciation for the RSF’s commitment to ending the conflict through dialogue. He emphasized the importance of the ongoing Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) talks in securing a lasting political settlement for Sudan.
IGAD, an eight-nation East African bloc, has been leading efforts to broker a meeting between Dagalo and his rival, Sudanese army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan. The two generals have not met face-to-face since the conflict began, which has claimed over 12,000 lives and displaced millions.
Dagalo’s regional tour, which included stops in Djibouti, Ethiopia, and Uganda, underscores his commitment to ending the bloodshed. Djibouti, the current chair of IGAD, is preparing to host a critical meeting in early January to pave the way for Sudanese dialogue.
The UN Security Council expressed alarm in November at the escalating violence and the spread of fighting to previously safe havens for displaced persons. By November’s end, over 12,000 people had been killed, according to conservative estimates. The UN also reports that over 7 million people have been internally displaced and 1.5 million have fled to neighboring countries.
Dagalo’s visit to Kenya and the upcoming IGAD meeting offer a glimmer of hope for a peaceful resolution to the Sudanese conflict. However, the deep-seated divisions and ongoing violence present significant challenges to achieving lasting peace. Continued regional and international support will be crucial in facilitating dialogue and securing a sustainable ceasefire.