TPLF: We are not involved in Sudan conflict

ADDIS ABABA - The Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) has denied claims that it is involved in the Sudanese conflict, which has seen Rapid Support Forces (RSF) engage the Sudanese army in fierce fighting as the two factions push for total control of government.

A statement issued by the Tigray Interim Administration termed the claims as 'baseless', noting that it has never been involved in the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) and Rapid Support Forces (RSF) conflict, which has left thousands of people dead.

The claims, Tigray Interim Administration noted, are “apparently designed to shore up international support for its campaign against the SAF by internationalizing the tragic civil war.” "The RSF’s allegation that TPLF fighters were taking part in the Sudanese civil war is based on nothing more than a fecund imagination.”

RSF, the paramilitary wing which previously worked closely with the Sudanese army, made sensational claims that it has 'credible' evidence linking TPLF with close partnerships with SAF, which is struggling to contain the group.

The RSF leveled accusations against the Sudanese army, contending that since the outset of the civil conflict in Sudan, the SAF has actively solicited support from foreign mercenaries and entities across various nations, Addis Standard reports.

According to the RSF, these external entities have provided extensive support to the SAF, encompassing diverse operational domains such as air force operations, engineering tasks, artillery maneuvers, the deployment of military drones, and engagement in information warfare.

"Our advanced surveillance systems have documented the deaths of numerous mercenaries killed in combat and tracked their remains as they were repatriated through Port Sudan Airport last November and December.”

The civil war erupted in Sudan on 15 April 2023, pitting two factions of the military government against each other: the SAF and the RSF. Allegations of foreign involvement in exacerbating the conflict have been rampant on both sides.

In November 2023, the Sudanese army, led by General Abdul Fattah al-Burhan, accused the United Arab Emirates (UAE) of supporting the RSF and facilitating the transfer of supplies through countries including Uganda.

Sudan has been in political turmoil since the ouster of Omar al-Bashir, with the military always tussling for leadership with civilians. And the RSF entered the twist, pushing for integration into the Sudan Armed Forces.

“Despite confronting internal adversities, the Sudanese populace and government have diligently extended aid and protection to the distressed refugees,” reads the statement.

Given these circumstances, the Addis Standard adds, the interim administration, led by Getachew Reda, emphasized that “Tigray does not incline to intervene in the ongoing civil strife, recognizing Sudan as a cherished sanctuary for Tigrayans.”

GAROWE ONLINE