The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Sudan, headed by Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo, known as Hemedti, announced on Saturday a ban on Sudanese exports to Egypt in response to what he said was Cairo’s meddling in the country’s affairs.
Earlier this week, Hemedti accused Egypt of carrying out air raids against his forces. The Egyptian Foreign Ministry vehemently denied the claim.
The ban will be effective in Sudanese regions held by the RSF.
Observers viewed the development as a significant turn in relations between the two neighbors.
Leading member of the RSF in the Blue Nile region Abu Shoutal warned merchants against sending any products to Egypt, saying they will be held to account if they do.
If the merchants send even one unit of their products, they will be punished. “Our exports should be sent to all of our neighbors, except for Egypt,” he demanded.
“Any truck headed to Egypt through the al-Dabba crossing should be dealt with as an enemy,” he added.
Sudanese exports to Egypt include agriculture and animal products, such as peanuts, corn, sesame, gum Arabic, camels and cattle. They are primarily produced in regions held by the RSF, such as Darfur and Kordofan.
The RSF controls regions bordering Egypt and through which exports are sent.
The ban will complicate exports to the northern neighbor. Journalist and civil activist Rasha Awad told Asharq Al-Awsat that the ban was a significant development in relations between Sudan and Egypt.
She warned of its dangerous repercussions and that it may lead to an open confrontation between the RSF and Egypt.
Moreover, she said the ban could pave the way for the Sudanese conflict to transform into a regional war in which even Ethiopia may become involved.
Awad wondered, however, whether the RSF could provide a suitable substitute to merchants. “Who will buy the banned products and is there a safe alternative to the Egyptian markets?”
She also wondered whether the ban would be used as an excuse to escalate the war in Sudan, adding that the coming days will have the answer.
Analyst Mohammed Latif said relations between Sudan and Egypt will not be the same after the ban.
Meanwhile, RSF supporters posted footage of trucks loaded with goods and cattle they claim were turned back from the border with Egypt despite a ban by Hemedti against posting photos or videos of his forces.
