Sudan Uganda tensions escalated after Khartoum’s army-aligned government criticised Kampala for hosting rival paramilitary leader Mohamed Hamdan Daglo, widely known as Hemeti. Sudan described the meeting as an “affront to humanity” following a recent United Nations probe into atrocities in Darfur.
Hemeti, commander of the Rapid Support Forces, met Yoweri Museveni at State House Entebbe. The visit came just one day after a UN investigation concluded that his forces committed acts amounting to genocide in Darfur.
Sudan Uganda Tensions and Diplomatic Fallout
Sudan’s foreign ministry condemned the meeting. Officials argued that Uganda, as a member of the African Union and IGAD, should not legitimize a figure accused of grave human rights violations.
The ministry stated that RSF atrocities have been documented by the international community. It added that regional bodies have formally condemned the actions attributed to the paramilitary group.
The Sudan Uganda tensions reflect deeper fractures in the region’s approach to mediation. Kampala has positioned itself as a potential broker, while Khartoum views the engagement as political endorsement.
Hemeti’s Mediation Argument
During his visit, Hemeti claimed he travelled to Uganda after the Sudanese army requested President Museveni’s mediation efforts.
He reiterated calls for Africa-led negotiations, insisting that peace talks should remain within continental institutions such as the African Union and IGAD.
“Peace should be made in Africa,” he told supporters.
However, ceasefire efforts have repeatedly collapsed since fighting erupted in April 2023.
Broader Conflict Context
The war between Sudan’s army and the Rapid Support Forces has devastated the country. The conflict has killed tens of thousands and displaced more than 11 million people.
It has also created what humanitarian agencies describe as the world’s largest hunger and displacement crisis.
Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, who leads the Sudanese Armed Forces, has accused external actors of fueling the conflict. Talks mediated by the Quad – comprising the United States, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Egypt – have stalled for months.
Burhan has alleged that the UAE supports the RSF. Abu Dhabi denies those claims.
Regional Security Implications
Sudan Uganda tensions could complicate East African diplomacy. Uganda maintains strategic ties across the region and often plays a mediating role in conflicts.
However, hosting a figure accused of genocide risks reputational consequences. It may also strain Kampala’s relations with Khartoum and allied governments.
Fighting has already spread across multiple fronts, including Darfur and the Blue Nile region. Reports suggest cross-border dynamics involving Egypt and Ethiopia have heightened security concerns.
Hemeti has also declared a rival administration in Darfur, though no state has recognised it.
What Comes Next
Diplomatic efforts continue, with proposals reportedly under review from the United States and Saudi Arabia. Yet mistrust between the warring factions remains deep.
Sudan Uganda tensions highlight the fragile state of regional diplomacy. While Uganda frames its engagement as mediation, Sudan views it as legitimisation of a rival armed force.
As the conflict enters another year, international pressure for accountability and humanitarian relief intensifies. Whether mediation efforts can regain momentum remains uncertain.
For now, Sudan Uganda tensions add another layer of complexity to an already volatile regional crisis.
