Sudanese Conflict: Hemedti Accuses Egypt of Involvement

Sudanese paramilitary leader Hemedti accuses Egypt of airstrikes and drone training for the Sudanese army amidst ongoing conflict. Hemedti's speech claimed foreign mercenaries and alleged Iranian involvement. Despite efforts to mediate, tensions continue as the Sudanese army advances, intensifying the nearly 18-month-long conflict.

In a highly charged video message, Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, leader of Sudan's Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and widely known as Hemedti, levied serious allegations against Egypt. On Wednesday, he accused the neighboring nation of conducting airstrikes and providing drone training to the Sudanese army, which has recently made significant strides in the ongoing conflict.

As tensions escalated, the Egyptian foreign ministry did not respond to the claims immediately. Egypt, perceived as an ally to the Sudanese army and its head, Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, is part of the international mediation effort led by U.S. and Saudi Arabia. Earlier this year, Cairo also hosted discussions between competing political entities.

Hemedti's remarks come as the Sudanese army advances in strategic locations like Khartoum and Sennar state, following alleged Egyptian airstrikes. The conflict, beginning in April 2023, has displaced millions and fueled ethnically-driven violence, with RSF bearing significant blame. Hemedti warned the war might last for years, signaling deteriorating peace prospects.

(With inputs from agencies.)