Sudan moves to stop mercenaries at borders

Sudan’s ambassador to Tunisia emphasised that his country’s primary need is not military support but rather preventing the influx of mercenaries from neighbouring states, particularly Libya, Chad, and Niger.

Speaking at a press conference in Tunis, Ambassador Ahmed Abdel Wahid Ahmed discussed the ongoing conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

He stated that the continuous flow of foreign fighters undermines stabilisation efforts, with new mercenaries replacing those eliminated by Sudanese forces.

The ambassador rejected proposals for international peacekeeping deployment, maintaining that the SAF remains capable of securing the nation.

He reported significant humanitarian costs of the conflict, citing approximately 13 million displaced persons—10 million internally and 3 million who have fled abroad. In Khartoum alone, he reported 5,000 casualties.

According to the ambassador, the RSF currently maintains control over South Darfur, a resource-rich region, where he alleged serious human rights violations have occurred.

In Khartoum, the RSF reportedly holds several residential areas and maintains a presence in Al-Jazeera State. The ambassador called for United Nations intervention regarding what he described as violations of international law and humanitarian principles.

Regional Complications

These statements follow recent allegations by Sudan’s UN representative, Al-Harith Idris, who claimed that forces aligned with Libya’s Khalifa Haftar, specifically the 106th Brigade, have been supplying the RSF with ammunition and mortars through Kufra. Idris specifically pointed to the Subul al-Salam Battalion’s alleged role in facilitating these transfers.

The Guardian’s Observer reported ongoing fuel shipments from an oasis refinery near Al-Jawf, allegedly involving approximately 10,000 barrels daily being refined and transported to Sudan.

CNN’s investigation, supported by satellite imagery, documented Russian aircraft movement between Al-Jufra and Al-Khadim airbases, with diplomatic sources indicating Wagner Group involvement in supplying surface-to-air missiles to RSF forces.

The Wall Street Journal recently reported alleged military supply transfers from Haftar’s forces to the RSF, citing unnamed sources familiar with the situation.