The Sudanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated in a statement that “accusing the Rapid Support Forces paves the way for correcting the international community’s perspective,” emphasizing that “Rubio’s statements are a strong message to other countries monitoring the peace process in Sudan and those assisting the Rapid Support Forces with mercenaries and weapons.” The statement added: “It is time to hold the Rapid Support Forces accountable,” pointing out that the army is fulfilling its constitutional role in protecting the country.
Earlier today, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that reports from humanitarian organizations revealed unprecedented levels of malnutrition and suffering among those fleeing conflict zones in Sudan. Rubio confirmed in press statements that “there is a concerning decline in refugee numbers, suggesting that many might have perished or been exhausted by hunger and disease in Sudan.” He mentioned that the United States is willing to assist if it helps end the war in Sudan, noting that some U.S. Senators discussed the proposal with him in recent months.
Rubio affirmed that “the primary goal is to halt the atrocities and abuses committed by the Rapid Support Forces against civilians, including sexual violence and assaults on women, children, and innocent civilians.” The U.S. Secretary of State pointed out that the abuses committed by the “Rapid Support Forces” against civilians in Sudan are “systematic and not actions of rogue elements,” stressing that the ongoing sexual violence, killings, and targeting of civilians “must stop immediately,” as he put it.
It is noteworthy that the “Rapid Support Forces” announced their full control over the city of El Fasher in the Darfur region, western Sudan, on October 26, following intense battles with the Sudanese army. However, the Chairman of the Sudanese Sovereignty Council confirmed that “the army’s withdrawal from the city was to avoid further destruction,” but observers believe that “the army would not have withdrawn from a strategic city without a decisive military defeat.”
Previously, they announced control over the strategic city of Bara in North Kordofan, after battles with the Sudanese army forces. However, the spokesman for the “Sudanese Liberation Army” movement, Siddiq Ali Al-Noor, denied to “Sputnik” agency the claims made by the same forces regarding their full control over Bara city. Arab, African, and international parties mediated to cease fire, but these mediations did not succeed in reaching a permanent ceasefire.
