The Sudanese army has recently made grave allegations regarding the involvement of eastern Libyan military commander Khalifa Haftar in their ongoing civil conflict, marking a significant escalation in a war that has persisted for three years. This accusation is notable for being the first instance in which Sudan has directly implicated its northwestern neighbor, Libya, in the hostilities.
Reports have emerged that Haftar’s forces have allegedly attacked Sudanese border posts. In addition, Sudan’s military has accused the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) of being complicit in these recent assaults. The ongoing civil war has drawn attention and concern from various countries, yet efforts to facilitate a lasting peace have, so far, proved unsuccessful.
In the early phases of the conflict, Sudan previously accused Haftar of clandestinely supplying the RSF with weapons. Sudan has also pointed to the United Arab Emirates as an ally of Haftar, claiming the UAE has supported the RSF with logistical assistance, including drone strikes. However, the UAE has categorically refuted these assertions.
Egypt’s involvement in the region is noteworthy, as it has historically supported Haftar but has also backed the Sudanese army in its attempts to stabilize the situation in Sudan. Amid these developments, Sudanese army spokesman Nabil Abdallah characterized the recent attack as a “blatant aggression against Sudan.” He underscored the country’s commitment to defending its national sovereignty, emphasizing that they would not relent in the face of what they perceive as a coordinated effort to undermine their territorial integrity, allegedly backed by the UAE and its associated militias.
Furthermore, Sudan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has characterized the UAE’s actions as a “dangerous escalation” and a significant violation of international law, warning that the Libyan border has become a pivotal route for arms and mercenaries nourishing the RSF’s prominence in the conflict.
While there has not been an official response from Haftar’s forces, sources within the RSF have indicated that their fighters have recently secured control over the entrance to Jebel Uweinat, a remote area where Sudan, Libya, and Egypt converge, potentially highlighting shifting dynamics in the region.
As Sudan navigates this intricate web of regional alliances and conflicts, the situation continues to attract international scrutiny, with hopes that diplomatic efforts can soon lead to a sustainable resolution.
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