Sudan: Mercenaries from northern Somalia are allied with the RSF group

Khartoum (Caasimada Online) – The commander of the Sudanese army, General Yaasir al-Atta, has stated that mercenaries from northern Somalia are among the foreign fighters allied with the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), who are fighting against government forces.

Al-Atta, who is the head of the Sudanese military staff, made these remarks in a speech he delivered on Sunday, November 1, 2026, in Khartoum to military units stationed there.

In summarizing his speech, which was broadcast by the Sudanese army on their X platform and written in Arabic and English, he specifically mentioned “northern Somalia,” while also naming Niger, South Sudan, Ethiopia, and Colombia.

“We are going to fight against thousands of mercenaries belonging to the Dagalo family militia, who come from countries including Niger, South Sudan, Ethiopia, northern Somalia, and Colombia,” he said, as noted in the summary of his speech.

The Sudan News Agency (SUNA) also reported this statement, in which the commander indicated that his forces will continue the fight against RSF.

However, the published text did not detail the number of fighters he claimed to have come from northern Somalia, the areas they originate from, or how they arrived in Sudan. The thousands he mentioned referred to the overall foreign fighters he accused of being allied with RSF.

Additionally, his speech did not present evidence supporting the claim regarding fighters from northern Somalia, nor was a specific administration mentioned that is attributed to their organization or deployment.

Al-Atta also emphasized that the military conflict is not directed against tribes or communities living in specific regions of Sudan.

“We will continue our fight, and it is not against tribes or communities living in specific areas of our country,” he said.

He stated that Darfur and Kordofan are lands of great value to Sudan, and that all tribes living there are precious. He added that the military does not wish to take revenge for the actions he accused the RSF of committing against the people.

In the same speech, al-Atta directed accusations at the leaders of the United Arab Emirates and the Israeli intelligence agency Mossad, stating that his forces are fighting to thwart what he described as “plots” against Sudan.

The UAE has previously denied allegations regarding support for the RSF, stating that it supports efforts to stop the fighting, protect civilians, and deliver humanitarian aid to those in need.

The Sudanese forces and RSF have been fighting since April 15, 2023. The conflict has forced millions of people to flee their homes, with civilians facing attacks, hunger, and disruption of essential services, according to the United Nations.