A senior adviser to Sudan's powerful paramilitary force has issued a stark warning, stating that recent calls from the United States to cut off its weapons supply could dangerously undermine delicate ceasefire efforts.
Diplomatic Row Over Arms Supply
Elbasha Tibeig, an adviser to Rapid Support Forces (RSF) leader Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo, took to social media platform X to condemn remarks made by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Mr Rubio had publicly urged international powers to stop sending military support to the RSF, which has been engaged in a brutal war with the Sudanese Army since April 2023.
In his statement, Mr Tibeig dismissed the US official's comments as "an unsuccessful step" that does not support global initiatives aimed at securing a humanitarian ceasefire. He further cautioned that such rhetoric may lead to an escalation of the fighting.
Accusations of Atrocities and External Support
The conflict, which erupted over plans to integrate the then-partner forces, has had devastating consequences. According to the World Health Organisation, at least 40,000 people have been killed, while millions more have been displaced. Aid agencies believe the true death toll is likely far higher.
Secretary Rubio expressed deep scepticism about the RSF's commitment to peace, stating, "The RSF has concluded that they're winning and they want to keep going." He levelled severe accusations against the group, alleging they are "committing acts of sexual violence and atrocities... against women, children, innocent civilians."
These claims are supported by numerous reports from human rights organisations and a Sky News investigation which found evidence of mass killings in 'killing fields' around Al Fashir, a city recently captured by the RSF.
The Geopolitical Stakes
While Mr Rubio did not name specific countries, US intelligence assessments have previously indicated that the United Arab Emirates (UAE), a close American ally, has been a key supplier of weapons to the RSF. The UAE officially denies these allegations.
The diplomatic pressure comes as the 'Quad' group—comprising the US, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Egypt—attempts to broker an end to the hostilities. Just last week, the RSF indicated it had agreed to a US-led proposal for a humanitarian ceasefire, a move now clouded by this public dispute over arms supplies.
Mr Rubio affirmed that the issue is being addressed "at the highest levels of our government", signalling that the US intends to maintain pressure on the parties involved in the conflict.
