The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) of Sudan have announced a ban on all Sudanese exports to Egypt.
This decision follows accusations that Egypt has deployed military forces to Sudan, intensifying the ongoing conflict.
In a widely shared video, RSF leader from the Blue Nile region, Mek Abu Shoutal, sternly warned traders within RSF-controlled areas against exporting goods to the Arab Republic, stating that violators would face severe penalties.
According to Shoutal, any shipment, including commodities like gum arabic, peanuts, or livestock destined for Egypt, will be dealt with harshly.
He emphasized that all Sudanese resources should be directed to neighboring countries, excluding Egypt, and any trucks headed towards the Debba crossing or Egypt would be treated as hostile.
Sudan typically exports agricultural and animal products to Egypt, including peanuts, gum arabic, camels, and sheep, largely produced in RSF-dominated regions like Darfur and Kordofan.
The escalation comes as the RSF accuses Cairo of supporting the Sudanese army against RSF units with military resources, including arms, ammunition, drones, and aircraft.
The RSF has also claimed to hold Egyptian mercenaries captive, alleging extensive military support for the Sudanese army.
A recent RSF statement detailed the arrival of eight Egyptian K8 aircraft in Port Sudan last August, accusing Egyptian forces of participating in combat, including recent battles like the one at Jebel Moya.
The RSF accuses Egyptian military actions of causing extensive civilian casualties across regions like Darfur, Khartoum, and others, with Egyptian-supplied bombs allegedly leading to widespread destruction of civilian infrastructure.
This deepening rift highlights the ongoing complexities and regional ramifications of the conflict in Sudan, where the RSF and the Sudanese army have been engaged in a prolonged conflict for over a year.
