Central African Republic Allegedly Supports Sudan's Rapid Support Forces Amid Shifting Stance

The Central African Republic (CAR) is reportedly supporting Sudan's Rapid Support Forces (RSF), led by General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, also known as Hemetti, in the ongoing Sudanese civil war. This development follows a significant shift in CAR's stance on the crisis since February 2024.

The Sudanese civil war, now in its second year, has resulted in widespread death, sexual violence, and the world's largest internal displacement crisis. Approximately 2.5 million people are at risk of dying from hunger by September, with civilians facing an imminent risk of famine, according to top United Nations officials.

The international community has been actively involved in attempting to resolve the conflict. The Biden administration, for instance, has engaged in diplomatic efforts, including talks backed by the US and Saudi Arabia in Jeddah, and has imposed sanctions on nine entities and seven individuals in Sudan. Despite these efforts, critics argue that US policy is ineffective. Michelle Gavin, former U.S. ambassador to Botswana, stated, 'There is no evidence that U.S. policy is working.'

Other nations have also been implicated in fueling the conflict. Iran is providing military assistance to Sudan's army, while the United Arab Emirates and Russia's paramilitary force, Wagner Group, are accused of supplying weapons and support to the RSF.

Why this matters: The alleged support of Sudan's Rapid Support Forces by the Central African Republic has significant implications for the ongoing Sudanese civil war and the region's stability. This development could exacerbate the humanitarian crisis in both countries, leading to further displacement, famine, and human suffering.

The CAR's alleged support for the RSF coincides with its efforts to eliminate opposition groups within its own borders. Since 2017, the southeastern part of the CAR has been plagued by community conflicts and struggles over resource control involving several armed groups, leading to devastating consequences for local populations.

Humanitarian needs in the CAR have increased significantly, with nearly 170,000 people in need of assistance and protection in the Mbomou region alone. The healthcare system has been severely impacted, with armed elements occupying medical centers and disrupting vital health services.

Meanwhile, Egypt is planning to host a conference in the coming weeks to bring together rival Sudanese political forces in an effort to restore peace. The Sudanese government has welcomed the initiative, albeit with conditions, including the exclusion of three parties referred to as 'patrons of the Rapid Support Forces.'

The United Nations has also issued a warning that famine is imminent in Sudan if humanitarian agencies continue to face obstruction in delivering aid. Jens Laerke, spokesperson for the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), stated, 'Famine could spread across large parts of Sudan, leading to more people fleeing to neighboring countries and increasing incidences of disease and malnutrition among children.'

The CAR's involvement in the Sudanese civil war adds another layer of complexity to an already dire situation. As regional and international actors continue to engage in efforts to resolve the conflict, the humanitarian crisis in both Sudan and the CAR remains critical.

Key Takeaways

• Central African Republic (CAR) reportedly supports Sudan's Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in ongoing civil war.
• Sudanese civil war has caused widespread death, sexual violence, and 2.5 million people at risk of hunger.
• International community, including US, Saudi Arabia, and UN, involved in diplomatic efforts to resolve conflict.
• Other nations, including Iran, UAE, and Russia, accused of fueling conflict with military assistance and support.
• Famine imminent in Sudan if humanitarian aid continues to face obstruction, warns UN.