The Commander of Sudan’s paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, has threatened to launch a new attack on Monday, March 17, 2025.
Dagalo who recently formed Sudan’s government of unity in Nairobi said RSF threatened to invade Port Sudan, the cities of Atbara and Shendi in River Nile State, and Merowe, Al Debbah, and Dongola in the Northern State.
Port Sudan serves as the Sudanese army administrative center and a hub for UN agencies and diplomatic missions in eastern Sudan.
Dagalo said his forces would be targeting criminals and not the residents of the mentioned areas.
He said RSF is monitoring army commander Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, Sudan Liberation Movement leader Minni Arko Minnawi, and Justice and Equality Movement leader Gibril Ibrahim.
Besides, Dagalo said RSF will not withdraw from the presidential palace or Khartoum, Sudan’s capital.
He said the Ramadhan that will be celebrated on Monday marks the anniversary of the RSF’s founding and coincides with the historical Battle of Badr.
Dagalo directed his army to make the day special day adding that it would be a day of “regret and remorse” for the Sudanese army and its allies.
Message to RSF & Other Members of Govt of Unity
Additionally, Dagalo said the RSF had restructured and established political and military alliances.
He warned that future battles would be more intense and widespread, describing them as emerging “from every deep ravine.”
He was referring to the “Foundational Sudan” alliance, which was formed in Nairobi, Kenya.
The alliance consists of RSF, the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N) led by Abdel Aziz al-Hilu, the Sudan Liberation Forces Alliance and the Sudan Liberation Movement-Transitional Council.
He called on this new alliance to work for Sudan’s interests and prevent its division.
The alliance members signed a transitional constitution, agreeing to form a parallel government in areas controlled by RSF.
The government is expected to announce later in March.
Dagalo warned that countries supporting the Sudanese army would pay the price.
Further, Dagalo said he would not allow Sudan to become a centre for terrorism.
Ban On Sudan Imports from Kenya
Dagalo’s declaration comes two days after Sudan imposed a ban on all imports from Kenya through all entry ports, including ports and airports hosting the RSF in Nairobi.
Sudan’s Ministry of Trade and Supply said the decision was made after a Cabinet resolution that sought to punish Kenya for facilitating RSF activities and subsequently escalating tensions in the country.
The Sudanese government attributed the decision to protecting its national interests and security concerns.
