Sudanese Defense Minister Hassan Dawood Qabroun has made sweeping allegations in an interview with the state-run SUNA news agency, claiming that Sudan’s conflict is an “international war” rather than a civil one, with over 20 countries supporting the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
Key Points from the Minister’s Statement:
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Foreign Intervention:
- Qabroun accused more than 20 nations of providing the RSF with funding, drones, logistical aid, and foreign fighters.
- He specifically reiterated previous accusations against the United Arab Emirates for supplying weapons and Ethiopia for offering training grounds and military operations territory. (The UAE has denied these claims; Qabroun did not name other countries or provide evidence for his broader claims).
- He asserted that the war aims to destroy Sudan, plunder its resources, and alter its demographics.
- He also accused opposition political and military groups, namely “Samoud” and “Tasees,” of collaborating with the RSF to undermine the country.
- A key challenge for the government is convincing neighboring countries about this foreign involvement, including cross-border movement of fighters and weapons.
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Red Sea Security:
- Sudan seeks to join a regional collective protection arrangement for the Red Sea, highlighting its strategic importance due to Sudan’s 800+ km coastline.
- He called for support from friendly nations to establish a specialized Coast Guard responsible for maritime security, surveillance, and combating piracy, arms smuggling, and human trafficking.
- Qabroun also advocated for renewed defense cooperation with neighboring countries (Libya, Chad, Central African Republic, Ethiopia) to revive existing agreements, establish joint border forces, and prevent illicit trade.
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Defense Industry Development:
- The government aims to expand local defense production to reduce reliance on foreign supplies, especially after years of economic restrictions and wartime disruptions.
- A new National Industries Law has been introduced to boost local production, including military equipment, facilities, and roads.
- Plans include decentralizing industrial investment across Sudan’s states, rather than concentrating it in Khartoum, to create jobs and boost local economies (e.g., processing gum arabic, gold, and sesame near production areas).
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Internal Political Transformation:
- Qabroun called for Sudan’s over 100 political parties to merge into three or four larger entities.
- He emphasized building a modern democratic state based on transparency and accountability, asserting that no one should rule Sudan without elections and a constitutional mandate.
- The government intends to integrate all armed formations under the command of the regular army and official security institutions, ruling out a continued role for unauthorized armed groups and militias.
- He called for the return of foreigners and refugees whose reasons for displacement have ended, alleging that some unregistered foreigners are involved in mercenary activities and drug smuggling (without providing evidence).
- He concluded that Sudan’s recovery depends on restoring security, increasing local production, and fostering reconciliation and social cohesion post-war.
