General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, leader of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and head of the self-declared Peace Government, has renewed calls for justice and accountability in a recorded statement addressing the Sudanese people. The speech, released on Tuesday, comes as the war between the RSF and the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) continues to devastate large parts of the country.
Dagalo said his administration is committed to pursuing an independent international investigation into what he described as “crimes and acts of ethnic cleansing” committed since the conflict began in April 2023.
“The crimes that took place will not go unpunished,” he stated. “We will not retreat from demanding a transparent and independent international investigation.”
Focus on Justice and Institutional Restoration
Dagalo said his government would continue working to “restore state institutions” and ensure that justice serves as the foundation for peace and reconciliation. He argued that accountability was essential to rebuilding the nation, noting that peace “without justice” would be meaningless after decades of abuse and corruption.
Humanitarian Appeal
The RSF leader also appealed to international humanitarian organizations to expand their presence in conflict-affected areas such as Darfur and Kordofan.
“The welfare, safety, and health of our citizens are a shared responsibility,” he said, calling for greater support to civilians displaced or trapped by ongoing hostilities.
Dagalo expressed gratitude to those who, in his words, “defended the cause, whether through action or through speech,” describing them as “the true heroes of the nation.”
Warning to Regional Actors
In one of the speech’s most notable moments, Dagalo warned that any airport or drone launched from a neighboring country to target Sudanese citizens would be treated as a legitimate target by his forces. While he did not name specific countries, some observers interpreted the remarks as directed at Egypt, while others suggested Chad, citing the presence of Turkish military or logistical activity in both countries.
The statement has fueled discussion about possible regional involvement in the Sudanese conflict, which has increasingly drawn in external actors and raised tensions along Sudan’s borders.
Message of Hope and Defiance
Concluding his address, Dagalo said the struggle would continue until what he called “the criminal elements” behind Sudan’s suffering were removed.
“By God’s will, Sudan will prevail, and every displaced citizen will return home safely,” he said. “Our nation will not rise until the criminals who destroyed it are held accountable.”
Background
The war between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), led by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) under Dagalo has entered its second year. The fighting has killed tens of thousands, displaced millions, and caused the near-collapse of essential infrastructure. Both sides continue to claim legitimacy and control over large parts of the country.
Dagalo’s Peace Government, formed earlier this year, administers territories under RSF control but is not officially recognized by international bodies. His recorded statement is seen by analysts as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen his political standing and frame his movement as a legitimate authority in Sudan’s future political landscape.
