Sudan has urged the international community to officially designate the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) as a terrorist organization and to hold it responsible for widespread abuses against civilians. Authorities in Khartoum also accused the United Arab Emirates (UAE) of backing the group with money, weapons, and political support.
The call was made on Saturday during the Russia–Africa Partnership Forum, where ministers from over 50 African nations gathered in Cairo for the second Ministerial Conference alongside Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.
Officials from several African states and regional bodies were also present, according to a statement released by Egypt’s Foreign Ministry.
Speaking at the forum, Sudan’s Minister of Cabinet Affairs appealed for international backing to further isolate the RSF, which has been locked in a brutal conflict with the Sudanese Armed Forces for more than two years.
“Sudan is calling for the Rapid Support Forces to be formally listed as a terrorist group and held accountable for the crimes it has carried out,” Dr. Lamia Abdel Ghaffar told delegates. She also called for action against what she described as the group’s “known regional sponsor,” accusing the UAE of supplying funds, weapons, and diplomatic, political, and media support, thereby becoming complicit in crimes committed against Sudanese citizens.
Earlier this month, the United Kingdom imposed sanctions on four senior RSF commanders over allegations of mass killings, sexual violence, and targeted attacks on civilians in El Fasher, a city in Sudan’s Darfur region. However, the UK stopped short of sanctioning the UAE, despite longstanding accusations of its support for the RSF.
