Sudan urges Trkiye to lead mediation as RSF faces terror designation calls

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Sudan urges Trkiye to lead mediation as RSF faces terror designation calls
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Sudan’s Sovereignty Council has urged Türkiye to take a leading role in exposing the truth behind Sudan’s ongoing conflict, describing Ankara as uniquely positioned to mediate between the Muslim world and NATO. Advisor Amgad Fareid Eltayeb told *Yeni Şafak* on 22 June 2026 that Türkiye’s diplomatic reach could help clarify the realities of the war, while calling for the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) to be formally designated as a terrorist organisation. Eltayeb accused unnamed regional actors of actively supporting the militia, warning that the conflict now threatens broader regional stability.
The call comes as the UN Security Council separately warned of a heightened risk of mass atrocities in El Obeid, a strategic city in central Sudan where fighting has intensified in recent weeks. The council’s alert, published the same day, underscores the escalating humanitarian crisis and the potential for further destabilisation across the Sahel and Horn of Africa.
Eltayeb’s remarks follow reports that Sudan’s army has begun absorbing defectors from the RSF in Darfur, a move that has drawn sharp criticism from human rights groups. The integration of former paramilitaries risks deepening divisions within local communities and complicating efforts to hold perpetrators of violence accountable. Meanwhile, the RSF continues to face international pressure, with calls for its formal designation as a terrorist group gaining traction among African and Middle Eastern states.
Türkiye’s role in the crisis has been amplified by its dual membership in NATO and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, Eltayeb argued. “Türkiye can bridge gaps that others cannot,” he said, emphasising the need for a unified international response to isolate the RSF and its backers. Ankara has yet to formally endorse the terrorist designation but has signalled willingness to engage in diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the conflict.
The Sudanese government’s appeal coincides with a broader regional crackdown on dissent, as juntas in Burkina Faso and Mali have increasingly labelled political opponents as terrorists to justify repression. In Jordan, six individuals were executed on 22 June 2026 for terrorism and drug-related offences, including members of the 2018 “Salt Cell” group responsible for attacks on security forces. The executions underscore the growing securitisation of justice across the Middle East and North Africa.
For now, the focus remains on Sudan, where the convergence of military escalation, humanitarian catastrophe, and geopolitical manoeuvring has created a volatile landscape. With Türkiye positioned as a potential mediator and the Security Council warning of imminent atrocities, the coming weeks will test whether the international community can unite to prevent further bloodshed.
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