Sudan’s RSF commander discusses 'pressing issues' with top US diplomat

KHARTOUM

Sudan's paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) commander Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, better known as Hemedti, said Tuesday that he held a phone call with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, in which they discussed “pressing issues in Sudan.”

“Honored to have a vital conversation with US Secretary of State, Mr. Antony Blinken. We discussed pressing issues in Sudan and our shared dedication to freedom, justice, and democracy for our people,” Hemedti said in a statement.

“We recognize the challenges before us, standing firm against extremism undermining our progress towards a just and democratic society,” Hemedti said.

The RSF commander reaffirmed his “unwavering commitment to safeguarding innocent civilians” in RSF’s areas of control.

Hemedti expressed his thanks "to Mr. Blinken and the US for their continued support and shared commitment to restoring stability in Sudan.”

Fighting erupted Saturday between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in the capital Khartoum and its surroundings.

More than 180 people have been killed and 1,800 injured in recent clashes between the military rivals, according to the UN.

*Writing by Ikram Kouachi in Ankara