Recent statements from Sudan's Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have renewed focus on Egypt's role in the ongoing conflict in Sudan, which has seen two rival generals fighting for control for over a year, resulting in thousands of deaths and millions displaced.
The RSF issued a stern warning to Cairo, revealing for the first time that they currently hold "Egyptian prisoners" who allegedly participated alongside the Sudanese army in the ongoing war. The statement accused the Egyptian government of maintaining a biased stance towards military institutions and supporting the Sudanese army, which the RSF claims is wholly controlled by the Muslim Brotherhood.
The RSF's statement further alleged that Egypt has not ceased military support to the Sudanese army, including weapons, ammunition, and training, alongside technical, political, diplomatic, and media support.
Historically, Egypt and Sudan have shared a complex relationship. Prior to the outbreak of the conflict between Sudanese army leader Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and his former deputy, RSF commander Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (Hemedti), the two nations conducted joint military exercises and coordinated their positions on Ethiopia's Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam.
In April 2023, tensions between Egypt and the RSF surfaced when the latter released a video claiming to show captured Egyptian soldiers. The RSF stated that a battalion of the Egyptian army had surrendered in the city of Merowe amid ongoing clashes.
The RSF's recent statement accused the Egyptian air force of bombing RSF camps, including a massacre at the Karrari camp. Hemedti claimed that the Egyptian military had killed hundreds of innocent civilians in various regions, including Darfur and Khartoum.
In response, the Sudanese army denied receiving K-8 aircraft from Egypt, asserting it has operated this model for over 20 years. The RSF's statement highlighted Egypt's position in supporting the military coup against the transitional civilian government in Sudan.
The Egyptian Foreign Ministry denied any military involvement in the Sudanese conflict and called on the international community to scrutinize the claims made by Hemedti. The ministry emphasized Egypt's commitment to Sudan's security, stability, and territorial integrity and its efforts to provide humanitarian assistance to those affected by the war.
Despite its ties with the Sudanese army, Egypt has engaged in U.S. and Saudi-led mediation efforts to resolve the conflict, participating in talks aimed at bridging gaps between the warring parties.
In summary, the RSF's accusations reflect ongoing tensions and highlight the complexities of Egypt's involvement in Sudan's internal conflict, while Egypt seeks to maintain its role as a stabilizing force in the region.