Sudan’s Ambassador to Rwanda, Khalid Musa Dafalla, has expressed his country’s willingness to have President Paul Kagame play a role in mediating peace between warring factions in Sudan.
During a press briefing at the Sudanese Embassy in Kigali, Ambassador Dafalla said that any organization or initiative endorsing President Kagame as a mediator would be welcomed by the Sudanese government and people.
He highlighted Kagame’s experience in resolving complex crises, pointing to his leadership in ending the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi and uniting Rwanda as proof of his capabilities.
“Our government believes that President Kagame has the experience and credibility to facilitate a resolution to the ongoing crisis in Sudan,” Dafalla said, adding that Kagame is trusted by Sudanese citizens.
“Even though President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda was appointed by the African Union to mediate, he has not yet succeeded in achieving tangible results,” the ambassador noted.
When asked whether Kagame could succeed where Museveni has struggled, Dafalla responded affirmatively.
“Absolutely. We have confidence in him. His leadership experience and ability to resolve conflicts similar to ours make him the right person for this role.”
The ambassador described Sudan’s current conflict as a targeted campaign against Black Sudanese by Arab groups, whom he claims see themselves as the rightful owners of the land. He accused these groups of receiving support, including funding and weapons, from Arab League countries.
Some of these weapons are allegedly smuggled via Libya and other routes to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), the main perpetrators of the violence.
Dafalla shared video evidence purportedly showing RSF soldiers killing Black civilians, including women, children, the elderly, and people with disabilities.
He revealed that Sudanese government forces had captured foreign mercenaries from 17 countries fighting alongside the RSF.
These fighters were apprehended during recent operations in El-Fasher, where hundreds of civilians were reportedly killed.
“We have these individuals and possess documents tracing their origins. At the right time, we will present this information to the international community,” he said.
Addressing questions on the economic dimension of the conflict, particularly the RSF’s control of approximately 50% of Sudan’s gold, Dafalla acknowledged that resources play a role but emphasized that the main goal of the RSF is to eliminate Black Sudanese.
He added that the RSF’s control of gold allows it to generate income and maintain alliances with Arab states.
The ambassador also criticized the international community’s response, saying that while RSF atrocities are condemned, there has been little concrete action.
He suggested that the RSF should be formally designated a terrorist organization.
The conflict, which erupted in April 2023, continues to cause widespread human suffering and displacement, with no clear resolution in sight.
Sudan’s government sees international mediation, particularly by experienced leaders like President Kagame, as a critical pathway to restoring peace and protecting vulnerable populations.
