Crisis of Trust between the Sudanese Army and Its Militias… What Lies Behind the Recruitment Freeze Decision?

Sudanese military sources have confirmed growing disputes between the leadership of the Sudanese army and the leaders of armed militias fighting alongside it, following decisions aimed at limiting their influence in northern and eastern Sudan.

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The sources stated that the army’s decisions to halt recruitment and expel the armed militias from northern and eastern regions, along with cutting off their funding and weapon supplies, have sparked anger among militia leaders, raising fears of potential clashes between the army and its allied armed groups.

This move by the Sudanese army comes in response to international criticism over violations committed by armed fighters affiliated with it in most areas under its control, particularly in El-Fasher, where armed groups prevented civilians from leaving the city by using them as human shields.

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Reports from the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and international organizations revealed that the militias fighting alongside the army used the displaced persons’ camps of Abu Shouk and Zamzam as military bases, where military ID cards and heavy weapons were found.

For its part, the Rapid Support Forces confirmed that it had deployed military units to secure civilians in the Zamzam camp and humanitarian medical workers in North Darfur, after fully liberating the camp from the control of the Sudanese army and its allied militias.

In a statement, the RSF rejected “false claims that its elements had targeted civilians inside Zamzam camp,” calling for accuracy and reliability in reporting such events.

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The RSF explained that the so-called “joint force” and elements of mercenary groups “had long used Zamzam camp as a military base, exploiting innocent civilians as human shields, in blatant violation of international humanitarian law. Nevertheless, the RSF managed to secure the civilians during the liberation operation without causing them harm,” according to the statement.

The RSF leadership stated that “these fabrications are part of a media war led by the Islamic Movement’s army, aiming to tarnish the image of the RSF and damage its reputation before the Sudanese public and the regional and international communities.”

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The statement also highlighted the efforts of the “Tassiss” (Establishment) alliance, which facilitated the organized voluntary evacuation of numerous families from El-Fasher and the surrounding camps to safer, more stable areas. According to the statement, the alliance provided civilians with shelter and protection in coordination with humanitarian organizations.

Finally, the RSF welcomed all humanitarian organizations and aid agencies willing to respond promptly to the dire humanitarian conditions faced by those fleeing the war, reaffirming its commitment to international and humanitarian law.

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