The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) went from being a group of fighters against the former regime and extremists to an active member in alleviating the humanitarian burdens and ensuring stability.
Advisor of RSF commander Ibrahim Mukhair saw that the war imposed a new role, noting that the party had become a necessary partner to secure the political process and establish a modern, civilized Sudan.
In an interview with Asharq Al-Awsat, Mukhair addressed the RSF attack on Wad Madani and its seizure, indicating that the army commander, Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, mobilized about 40,000 fighters and restructured the military division to be a fighting unit, and announced that he would attack the Rapid Support from the island.
He warned of potential future interventions if "hostile actions and speeches" continue.
Mukhair denied the accusations directed at the Rapid Support Forces of targeting civilians, asserting that they do not target civilians or even military personnel but rather hostile actions.
He recalled that the forces did not enter el-Fasher city, the capital of North Darfur, because of the military's commitment not to undertake any hostile actions, warning that any threat to forces or civilians would be met appropriately.
"We do not engage in combat operations except within the framework of self-defense, such as confronting aircraft or extremist attackers and shadow brigades," he told Asharq Al-Awsat.
Addressing the situation in Gezira under RSF control, Mukhair said it began to recover gradually and is witnessing stability that has brought people back to their jobs despite the ongoing indiscriminate shelling that targeted facilities.
Asharq Al-Awsat asked the advisor about the Rapid Support Forces' readiness to return to the "Jeddah Negotiating Platform. Mukhair said the Jeddah Platform is between the RSF and the Armed Forces without any reference to the Sovereign Council.
Burhan's sudden desire to return to the Jeddah platform must be evaluated, said Mukhair, adding that he failed to fulfill the first condition for building confidence by arresting the Islamists involved in igniting the war.
Mukhair asserted that arresting the Islamists is a condition for reaching an agreement on the protection of civilians, the delivery of humanitarian aid, and the fulfillment of the seven provisions of the Jeddah Declaration.
Burhan stipulated that RSF must implement the obligations of the Jeddah Declaration, especially exiting the civilians' homes.
However, RSF commander Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo asserted that the Declaration is "one package to be implemented by both parties."
Regarding the "Rapid Support" participation in the upcoming political process, Mukhair said their role will crystallize according to what was stipulated in their agreement.
The political process aims to build a unified army and protect the country from fragmentation, said Mukhair.
Dagalo is aware of "several dangers, including the possibility of terrorist sleeper cells, the spread of mines and illegal weapons, and the destruction of infrastructure," said the adviser.
Mukhair confirmed that Hemedti hopes to expand the Addis Ababa Declaration by including others, asserting that he is open to all Sudanese parties.
