The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) commander, Mohammed Hamdan "Hemedti" Dagalo, announced his readiness to meet with Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) commander Abdel Fattah al-Burhan at any place or time determined by the Intergovernmental Authority for Development (IGAD).
Following an invitation from the IGAD presidency, the RSF prepared for a meeting between the two officials without specifying the place and time.
Conflicting reports discussed the upcoming meeting, with some saying it would be held on Thursday in Djibouti or Entebbe, Uganda, while others suggested it would be postponed or even potentially canceled.
On Wednesday, the RSF spokesman, Al-Fatih Qureshi, confirmed to Asharq Al-Awsat that arrangements were underway, with IGAD's primary concern being peace in the Horn of Africa.
- Hemedti in Uganda
Hemedti arrived in Uganda and held talks with President Yoweri Museveni. The latter shared images of their meeting on his X account, saying he was thoroughly briefed on the situation in Sudan.
During their discussion, Hemedti provided a comprehensive account of the origins of the ongoing conflict in Sudan, attributing it to remnants of the former regime, who received support from certain elements within the armed forces.
He also outlined his vision for negotiation, war cessation, and establishing a just Sudanese state.
President Museveni expressed his unwavering support for the Sudanese people and pledged to bolster efforts to achieve peace and stability within Sudan.
Museveni asserted to Hemedti that he would harness all his capabilities and relationships to help the Sudanese overcome this challenging period.
Hemedti emphasized his commitment to the resolutions arising from the recent IGAD Presidents' Summit held in Djibouti.
- RSF conditions to meet Burhan
Qureshi confirmed to Asharq Al-Awsat that the RSF Commander was ready to meet with the Army Commander at any place or time determined by IGAD, but he stipulated that Burhan must come to the meeting in his capacity as Commander of the Sudanese Army and not in any other role.
Qureshi reiterated the RSF's dedication to the outcomes of the IGAD summit on Sudan, held in Djibouti earlier this month.
Hemedti will only meet Burhan as commander of the Sudanese army, and the meeting will be held without preconditions, said the spokesman, adding that Burhan also agreed to the meeting without any preconditions.
- Foreign Ministry confirms the postponement
For its part, the Foreign Ministry said the meeting between Burhan and Hemedti was postponed till January after the latter could not reach Djibouti on time, citing "technical reasons."
The ministry said in a statement that it was informed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Djibouti, the current chair country of the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD), that Dagalo was unable to attend the meeting scheduled for Thursday due to technical reasons.
There would be coordination again to hold the meeting next January, added the statement.
It noted that Burhan, out of his keenness to end the suffering of the Sudanese people caused by the "rebel militia," was prepared to leave Wednesday evening for the IGAD-proposed meeting.
The ministry further expressed regret over "the RSF's procrastination and its unwillingness to stop the destruction of Sudan and harming the people."
