RSF vow to continue conflict in Sudan amid stalled peace efforts

Rapid Support Forces (RSF) leader Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, widely known as Hemetti, has vowed to press ahead with the conflict in Sudan, saying his forces are prepared for a prolonged war despite repeated calls for peace talks.

Addressing RSF officers from an undisclosed location on Wednesday, Hemetti accused Sudan's military leadership of obstructing efforts to end the conflict and insisted that the paramilitary group would continue fighting unless a negotiated settlement is reached.

"Can a war stop from one side only?" Hemetti questioned, arguing that the RSF had shown willingness to negotiate but that the army viewed such moves as weakness.

The RSF commander claimed the group has significantly expanded its ranks since fighting erupted in April 2023, saying the force had grown from about 143,000 fighters at the start of the war to 450,000.

He said the expansion reflected growing support for the RSF, while accusing the Sudanese army of relying on allied militias and Islamist-linked factions.

Hemetti also signaled readiness for a drawn-out conflict, saying his forces could continue fighting for decades if necessary.

The remarks come as Sudan remains engulfed in one of the world's worst humanitarian crises. According to the United Nations, the war between the Sudanese army and the RSF has displaced 14 million people and devastated infrastructure across the country.

The RSF leader accused the army of targeting civilians and civilian infrastructure, while claiming the RSF had the military capacity to intensify operations further but was exercising restraint.

He also renewed calls for the creation of what he described as a national army free from political or ideological influence.

The conflict has triggered widespread violence, famine warnings and repeated international calls for a ceasefire.