Sudanese foreign ministry: We hope that the Ugandan government will distance itself from any association with Hemedti

Sudanese foreign ministry: We hope that the Ugandan government will distance itself from any association with Hemedti

Sudanese Government Calls on Uganda to Distance from Hemedti Amid Regional Tensions

The Sudanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs has urged the Ugandan government to sever ties with Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (Hemedti), the leader of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), following reports of his recent visit. This statement underscores growing regional concerns over Hemedti's influence and the broader implications for Sudan's ongoing civil war, which has destabilized the country since April 2023.

Hemedti, whose RSF has been locked in conflict with Sudan's military (SAF), has long drawn support from regional and international actors, including the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which has been a key buyer of Sudanese gold—a critical revenue stream for the war effort according to Brookings analysis. His presence in Uganda, a regional power with historical ties to Sudan, raises questions about potential diplomatic or economic backing for the RSF. The Sudanese government's appeal to Uganda aligns with broader calls for regional actors to avoid actions that could prolong the conflict.

The civil war has had severe economic repercussions, disrupting trade routes, including Sudan's Red Sea port of Port Sudan, which facilitates $7.9 billion in regional trade annually. The conflict has also exacerbated humanitarian crises, displacing over 12 million people and straining cross-border aid efforts. Analysts note that continued instability risks further economic collapse, particularly for neighboring countries reliant on Sudan's infrastructure, such as South Sudan, which depends on Sudan for oil export access.

Regional mediation efforts, including African Union-led initiatives, remain critical to resolving the conflict. However, the involvement of external actors with divergent interests—such as Egypt's support for the SAF and the UAE's backing of the RSF— complicates peace prospects. The Sudanese government's appeal to Uganda highlights the need for unified regional diplomacy to prevent further entrenchment of the conflict.

As the war enters its third year, the international community faces mounting pressure to prioritize humanitarian aid and economic stabilization over geopolitical interests. The Sudanese Ministry's statement reflects a broader push for accountability and a return to inclusive governance, essential for long-term economic recovery in the region.

According to Sudanese Foreign Ministry statements, the government has called for Uganda to distance itself from Hemedti. Additional reports confirm Hemedti's recent activities in Uganda. Other regional actors have also expressed concerns about the RSF's influence.