TRIPOLI – Sudan called on the Community of Sahel-Saharan States (CEN-SAD) to designate the Rapid Support Forces as a terrorist organization and prevent weapons, logistical support and foreign fighters from crossing member states’ territories to reach the group.
Foreign Ministry Undersecretary Muawiya Osman Khalid made the appeal during the 22nd ordinary session of CEN-SAD’s Executive Council, held in Tripoli on Nov. 7.
Khalid accused the RSF of committing ethnic cleansing, systematic starvation and attacks on critical infrastructure and Sudan’s cultural heritage. He also accused unnamed regional powers of supporting the group.
The RSF has rejected similar accusations by Sudanese authorities and says it is fighting the Sudanese Armed Forces and allied groups.
Khalid urged CEN-SAD members to condemn what he described as atrocities committed by the RSF and foreign mercenaries and to block the movement of weapons, fighters and logistical supplies through their territories.
Sudan has increasingly sought regional and international action against external supply networks it says are sustaining the RSF during the war.
Khalid also welcomed efforts to reactivate CEN-SAD after a period of reduced activity and called for stronger cooperation among member states to address regional security challenges.
The council concluded its session by adopting a series of decisions and recommendations aimed at strengthening the regional bloc. The Sudanese statement did not say that the council had adopted Khartoum’s request to designate the RSF as a terrorist organization.
