Discontent in Egyptian circles over Rapid Support Forces threats; sources confirm to (Al-Mohaqiq): “Every situation is dealt with accordingly”

After Hemedti accused Egypt of using its air force to strike his forces, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) launched an organized media campaign to threaten Egypt and target its interests in Sudan. The RSF expressed its frustration with Egypt’s statement in response to its leader’s accusations, labeling the RSF as a militia. The attacks on Cairo continued, accusing it of interfering in Sudanese affairs and threatening retaliation if this interference persisted.

In a statement, the RSF claimed that the Egyptian government has never ceased providing military support to the Sudanese army, including weapons, ammunition, air bombs, and training, in addition to technical, political, diplomatic, and media support. The RSF warned the Egyptian government and its institutions against continuing their interference in Sudanese affairs by supporting the army, which it described as “hijacked” by the Islamic movement.

The RSF’s threats to Egypt come alongside an organized media campaign targeting Egypt and threatening to sever its interests in Sudan. Several RSF leaders and advisors appeared in videos insulting Egypt, warning anyone cooperating with Egyptian merchants, and threatening to block any goods from leaving Sudan for Egypt. Some RSF media outlets even went so far as to threaten to strike the Aswan High Dam.

It is noticeable that Hemedti, in his agitated speech attacking all directions, both domestic and foreign, particularly targeted Egypt. This suggests that the speech was tailored specifically for this attack. It can be interpreted in two ways: either Hemedti suffered heavy defeats in strategic areas like Jabal Moya and others, where the RSF lost significant ground, or he is feeling the pressure of international sanctions, which have now extended to his family members and may soon reach him personally. Alternatively, he may have been incited by regional countries with an interest in dragging Egypt into this war, possibly Ethiopia, given its alarm over Egypt’s extensive movements in the region, seeking to distract Egypt with another issue.

The UAE is also accused of playing a role in this incitement, despite its good relations with Egypt. However, complaints about Abu Dhabi’s support for the RSF, which has been documented by regional, international, and local bodies, have grown. The UAE may want to distance itself from these accusations to avoid international condemnation. Accusing Egypt might be a way to deflect the heat from these accusations. It is possible that both scenarios are behind Hemedti’s involvement in attacking Egypt, and we may see him apologize later, as he has previously backtracked on stances that caused the country to burn, later revealing that they were not his steadfast principles. This includes his retreat from the Framework Agreement, which ignited the war—something Hemedti himself acknowledged in his latest speech.

Egyptian circles have reacted to these accusations with intense anger. How can a militia dare to speak about Egypt and the Egyptian army in this manner? Egyptians across the political spectrum are outraged by these provocations, with many asking whether the official Egypt will respond to these provocations and whether it could be drawn into a reaction. In response to these questions, informed Egyptian sources stated that Egypt does not act impulsively and will not respond to mere social media chatter. The sources told “Al-Mohaqiq” that if these statements are accompanied by actions, only then will Egypt respond accordingly.

Khaled Mohamed Ali, deputy editor of the Egyptian newspaper Al-Osbou, accused Sudanese political factions aligned with the RSF of being behind this campaign. He said that these factions are hostile to Egypt. Ali told Al-Mohaqiq that these groups took advantage of Hemedti’s recent defeat to spread their venom, aiming to sow discord between the two countries. Ali attributed this to Egypt’s strong support for Sudanese unity and its policy of non-interference in Sudan’s internal affairs, which annoyed these factions. He expressed his belief that these factions will not stop their incitement, as they are supported to do more, noting that these groups have been rejected by the Sudanese people and are now willing to sacrifice anything as they have lost everything.

According to the deputy editor of Al-Osbou, the hatred towards Egypt has become excessive in this campaign and will not end as long as the Sudanese army continues its victories. He called on the Egyptian government to continue its national role in maintaining Sudan’s unity under any circumstances. He also referred to President Sisi’s recent visit to Asmara, which he described as proactive to prevent any division in the region, and called on Egyptian media to expose the groups behind this campaign. He emphasized that Egypt stands by the will of the Sudanese people and considers this in its calculations, regardless of who supports this campaign internally or externally. He also noted that these groups are not only hostile to Egypt but also to Sudan, aiming to isolate Sudan from its supportive surroundings.

Security and military expert Ameen Ismail Majzoub considered the RSF’s hostility towards Egypt to be strange. He told Al-Mohaqiq that, in his view, this hostility is due to the heavy defeats the RSF has suffered in the capital, various battlefronts, and the strategic Jabal Moya region. Majzoub added that Hemedti wants to shift the blame away from the Sudanese Armed Forces and has chosen to accuse the Egyptian army of using aircraft to strike the RSF. He pointed out that the RSF and those behind it want to push Egypt out of this conflict. He said that Egypt, as chair of the African Union’s Peace and Security Council, has conducted several tours to different countries, culminating in a visit to Port Sudan. Majzoub believes that those backing the RSF want to draw Egypt into the crisis, but their efforts have backfired, as everyone knows that Egypt is a strong and influential regional power. He asserted that if Egypt were to enter the war in Sudan, it would end quickly.

Majzoub expressed his belief that Egypt would not respond, as the issue does not merit a response. He said this is merely a media ploy by the RSF, which will be picked up by regional and international media, portraying Egypt as involved in the Sudanese crisis. He added that Egypt’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ statement in response was sufficient, and that the Egyptian media has not failed, nor will it fail, in countering these false claims. Majzoub noted that Hemedti’s comments brought more negatives than positives, stressing that Egypt’s official support for Sudan’s national institutions is longstanding and well-established. He concluded that Egypt will not engage with militias, no matter how long it takes, reaffirming Egypt’s consistent stance in numerous crises that have afflicted the Arab world.