Sudan’s FM denounces Hemetti’s PR tour as human rights violation cover-up

January 7, 2024 (PORT SUDAN) – The Sudanese Foreign Ministry has condemned the recent African tour of Rapid Support Forces (RSF) Commander Mohamed Hamdan Daglo Hemetti, labelling it a public relations stunt aimed at whitewashing the militia’s human rights record.

In a statement, the ministry accused Hemetti’s visits to African nations as part of a deceptive propaganda campaign, orchestrated with support from both African and non-African forces, to rehabilitate the militia’s leader, who has been accused of some of the worst violations of international humanitarian and human rights law on the continent since the Rwandan genocide in 1994.

“This deceitful and hypocritical campaign has included the militia leader’s visits to several African countries, accompanied by statements attributed to him expressing his willingness to enter into a ceasefire and peace negotiations, and even signing an agreement with a Sudanese political group aligned with him. If implemented, this agreement would pave the way for dividing the country,” the statement emphasized.

Since the end of last year, Hemetti has embarked on a tour of African nations, travelling on a UAE Royal plane and visiting Uganda, Ethiopia, Djibouti, Kenya, South Africa, and Rwanda. He also held a series of meetings in Addis Ababa with the leadership of the Civil National Alliance (Taqaddum), resulting in a declaration stating his readiness for an unconditional ceasefire agreement.

The ministry reiterated the government’s commitment to achieving peace through the Jeddah Declaration of Humanitarian Principles, signed on May 11, 2023, which provides a binding legal and political framework for addressing humanitarian issues, establishing a ceasefire, and initiating the peace process.

The ministry urged the RSF to comply with the Jeddah Declaration, cease its “terrorist activities,” and cooperate with peace efforts to resolve Sudan’s crisis.

Furthermore, the ministry stressed that the RSF’s commitment to implementing the Jeddah Declaration, evacuating hundreds of thousands of citizens’ homes and civilian structures occupied and used as military bases, and vacating cities and towns is a prerequisite for commencing any new negotiations.

The statement maintained that the RSF continues to commit atrocities, including ethnic cleansing, massacres, and sexual violence.

It noted that the recent invasions of rural areas by the militia, particularly in Al-Jazirah State, have been accompanied by these atrocities, and that the ethnic cleansing operations carried out by the militia in Darfur have extended to Al-Jazira State, targeting members of the same tribal groups.

(ST)