Sudan: RSF's top leadership cancels media address in Kenya as US imposes sanctions

KHARTOUM, Sudan - The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) top leadership canceled a press briefing in Nairobi, days after the US imposed sanctions on its commanders, with Kenyan authorities said to have intervened last minute leading to the cancellation of the address.

According to media reports, the event, which was to take place at the Radisson Blu Hotel, was called off minutes after RSF officials were summoned to a private meeting with Kenyan officials. Top security officials are said to have ordered for cancellation of the event.

RSF delegation leader Omar Hamdam Ahmed blamed the cancellation on “the problem of Africa, the dictatorship” but offered no clarification. It was later revealed that Kenyan authorities feared backlash from the US, which had sanctioned RSF leader Mohamed Hamdan Daglo ‘Hemedti’ for alleged atrocities in Darfur.

The US and human rights groups accused RSF of widespread violations of fundamental rights, adding that the group is responsible for mass rape, ethnic cleansing, and blocking humanitarian aid.

The US State Department reiterated these accusations last week, stating, “Hemedti’s designation under Section 7031(c) makes him and his family ineligible for entry to the United States.”

In November last year, the RSF was also blocked from holding a press conference in Nairobi. The RSF has been fighting with the Sudan Armed Forces with the conflict leading to the death of thousands of people and the mass displacement of millions of others.

Over the weekend, the Sudan military said it had captured the strategic town of Wad Medani, the capital of Gezira province.
Culture and Information Minister Kahlid Aleiser said the military and its allies had "liberated" the city, calling it a victory for security and stability, Addis Standard reports.

In a statement, the military said its forces entered the city early on Saturday and were working to "clear the rebel remnants inside the city." It praised the armed forces and their supporters for helping "reclaim dignity, security, and stability." The RSF has not yet issued a response.

RSF had also accused the US of bias following the imposition of sanctions on its leaders. Sudan has been in turmoil for the last five years after Omar al-Bashir was overthrown, following a civilian uprising that led to military intervention.

GAROWE ONLINE