When the Noose Tightens… Has the World Finally Decided to Eliminate the RSF Militia?

By: Brigadier General (Ret.) Omar Mohammed Othman
A reading of international developments from a different perspective…
Since the outbreak of war in Sudan, the international position was initially confused—torn between conflicting interests and narrow calculations. But time has a way of exposing truths, no matter how long denial persists. And today, after more than two years of suffering, the international community seems to be changing its tone—perhaps even its direction.
The recent U.S. State Department statement and the meeting of Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau with ambassadors of the Quad (the U.S., Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE) reflect a noticeable shift in how the crisis is being approached: no longer only calls to stop the fighting, but a push for a fundamental resolution—one that, though not detailed publicly, appears to start by holding the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) accountable and removing them from the scene with minimal damage.
From Political Leverage to Liability
At the onset of the war, some capitals viewed the RSF as a “fait accompli”—a force that could be contained or exploited for narrow political aims. But the militia’s heinous crimes—looting, rape, child soldier recruitment, terrorizing civilians, occupying cities, and wreaking destruction—have made it ethically and politically untenable to justify their existence.
Today, many countries view the RSF as a burned card, indefensible by any standard. The proposed negotiations are not about rehabilitating the RSF, but rather about removing them from the political stage under the guise of a “peaceful solution.”
The Sudanese Army: A Resilience That Shattered Illusions
This international shift is not a charitable gesture. It is a result of the legendary resilience of Sudan’s armed forces. While some bet on the army’s collapse, it held its ground, fought back, and regained the initiative on multiple fronts—despite dire conditions.
And behind the army stood the Sudanese people, steadfast in their dignity and patience. They endured terror, refused submission, and exposed the RSF’s atrocities to the world. Even some political forces—despite varied stances—helped unmask biased international narratives and dishonest “internationalization” of the crisis.
Upcoming Negotiations: No Compromise on Core Principles
Now, with growing talks of a political settlement, Sudan’s army and government approach the table not from a position of weakness but of hard-earned strength. Hence, any serious negotiation must rest on unshakable national principles, including:
Total dismantling of the RSF—unconditionally.
Prosecution of RSF leaders for crimes committed.
No political or transitional equivalence between the army and the militia.
Preservation of a unified, legitimate security institution with exclusive authority over the use of force.
Rejection of external tutelage and full assertion of national sovereignty.
Who Will Pay the Price for Reconstruction?
One cannot ignore the covert role of certain countries in exacerbating the crisis—most notably the UAE, whose actions have significantly complicated matters. Now that some of these states are revising their stances, it is only natural to demand their active participation in Sudan’s reconstruction—not out of vengeance but from a sense of political and moral responsibility.
An international conference or reconstruction fund, supported by key global players, could form a healthy beginning for a reconciliation rooted in mutual respect, not imposition.
In Conclusion: No Room for Militias in Sudan’s Future
The global position may be shifting. We may even witness fresh attempts at a new settlement. But one truth remains: the army and the people have stood as Sudan’s first line of defence.
Any solution that does not acknowledge this fact, that fails to honour the blood of the martyrs, the suffering of the displaced, and the steadfastness of the soldiers, will be yet another political delusion.
Sudan now stands at a crossroads: either the international community makes a decisive stand against militias or continues to manage the crisis until it explodes further. One thing is certain: the army that did not break will not betray its people’s dignity.
Sudan is not a no-man’s-land, but an ancient nation rich in resources—and it knows how to defend itself. Those who fail to read its terrain will be swallowed by its thorns before they catch their breath.

Shortlink: https://sudanhorizon.com/?p=5897