Lieutenant General Yasir Al-Atta of the Sudanese Armed Forces warned that South Sudanese citizens account for a large portion of the RSF forces, stating this has been communicated to Juba over the past two years. Reports of violence against Sudanese refugees in South Sudan have raised alarms, prompting calls for action against mercenaries involved in these conflicts.
On January 19, 2025, Lieutenant General Yasir Al-Atta, the Assistant Commander-in-Chief of the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), stated that Sudan has been informing South Sudan about the participation of South Sudanese mercenaries in the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) for two years. Addressing his troops in Ed Damazin, Al-Atta claimed that these mercenaries make up 65% of the RSF’s forces. He expressed his frustration regarding the lack of action from Juba in response to these concerns.
The general’s remarks come amidst reports of violence against Sudanese refugees and citizens in South Sudan following the killing of South Sudanese individuals in Wad Madani, Sudan. This violence is linked to a crackdown on those believed to be affiliated with the RSF since the army’s takeover of the city. Al-Atta mentioned South Sudanese opposition figures, specifically naming Stephen Buoy, as part of this conflict.
Al-Atta further accused the RSF of including fighters from countries such as Libya, Chad, Ethiopia, the Central African Republic, Colombia, and Syria, alongside remnants of the Wagner Group from Russia. He indicated that the original leaders of the Janjaweed constitute only 5% of the RSF. He called on South Sudanese media and security agencies to intervene and ensure that their nationals cease collaboration with the RSF.
While expressing trust in South Sudanese President Salva Kiir, General Al-Atta condemned the atrocities attributed to the RSF, which include severe violations against civilians. He articulated that such acts of violence should not overshadow the real suffering endured by Sudanese people and appealing for measured responses from the media.
In closing, Al-Atta expressed confidence in the resilience of the Sudanese populace despite the challenges posed by foreign support for the RSF, which he implied included backing from the United Arab Emirates. He affirmed the determination of Sudan’s military leadership to maintain order and take legal action against the mercenaries involved in the conflict.
The conflict in Sudan has escalated with the involvement of various foreign fighters and local mercenaries. The presence of South Sudanese nationals fighting alongside the RSF raises concerns about regional stability and security, prompting the SAF to address these issues with South Sudan’s government. Allegations of violence against civilians indicate a deteriorating humanitarian situation in the region, necessitating intervention from both military and media representatives to mitigate further conflict.
Lieutenant General Yasir Al-Atta’s assertion that South Sudanese mercenaries constitute a significant part of the RSF highlights ongoing regional tensions. His appeal to both the South Sudanese government and media underscores the need for immediate action to address the participation of foreign fighters in the conflict. The situation demands international attention to stabilize both Sudan and South Sudan amidst escalating violence.
Original Source: sudantribune.com
