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Al-Ahram Weekly
19-06-2025
- Politics
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Sudan's clashes escalate - World - Al-Ahram Weekly
The Rapid Support Forces' takeover of the border triangle shared by Sudan, Egypt, and Libya threatens to expand the Sudan war into a regional conflict Compounding the conflict in Sudan, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) announced last week they had taken control of the border triangle shared by Egypt, Sudan, and Libya following the Sudanese Armed Forces' (SAF) withdrawal. The SAF accused the Libyan Army, under the command of Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar, of supporting the RSF, which has been at war with the SAF for more than two years now. The border triangle holds strategic significance due to its geographic location and abundant resources. While it could have served as a vital corridor for trade and cooperation among the three nations, it has become a zone of instability — now functioning as a conduit for the smuggling of people, weapons, and resources — and is at risk of turning into a haven for criminals, smugglers, armed groups, and terrorists. Known as the Gabal Al-Uwaynat Triangle, the area has long been neglected due to its harsh terrain and sparse population. However, in recent years its economic and security relevance has grown with the discovery of gold and other minerals as well as its emergence as a major transit point for smuggling. The SAF accused the RSF of taking control of the border triangle with the backing of Haftar's forces, describing it as part of a broader regional conspiracy against Sudan, following failed attempts by the RSF to defeat the SAF in other areas. The Sudanese army asserted its right to respond, condemning Haftar's involvement, and referring the matter to both the Arab League and the African Union. It added that the area was vacated as part of what it said were defensive measures aimed at repelling aggression. The Libyan army denied its involvement in Sudan's border affairs or internal conflict, stating that it has not interfered in Sudan's Civil War. It dismissed the Sudanese Army's claims of territorial seizure or alignment with one party to the conflict against the other as false, arguing that such accusations are an attempt to deflect attention from Sudan's internal crisis by fabricating an external threat. The RSF described its control of the border triangle as a qualitative victory that would open new fronts in the ongoing conflict. Meanwhile, the Joint Forces, comprising armed movements allied with the SAF, said that the RSF and their Libyan allies would not be able to maintain control over the border triangle for long, describing the move as an attempt to raise the morale of RSF members following a series of defeats. The Joint Forces added that the primary aim of the RSF's advance into the triangle was to obstruct military progress on the Kordofan fronts, which the allied forces aim to fully reclaim in the coming days. Undoubtedly, clashes in the border triangle, coupled with the exchange of accusations between the Sudanese and Libyan armies, are exacerbating tensions in Sudan and raising the spectre of wider regional conflict. The RSF's seizure of the triangle represents a major shift in its favour, strengthening its military position, securing its rear, and enabling access to Sudan's Northern State. RSF Commander Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (aka Hemedti) has previously threatened to launch attacks on the Northern State. Meanwhile, the Sudanese Army is unlikely to allow the RSF to consolidate control over the area, saying it will launch air strikes against RSF positions. The RSF's deployment of long-range drones will further fuel the conflict. The war in Sudan is now evolving into a regional conflict involving multiple regional and international parties, including Libya. Accusations of interference have previously been directed at Chad, Kenya, and other nations. Violence and retaliatory killings have intensified the crisis, especially after the Sudanese Army entered Al-Jazira State, leading to the death of several South Sudanese alleged to have collaborated with the RSF. This, in turn, provoked retaliation in South Sudan, where Sudanese nationals were reportedly killed. Expanding the scope of the war is drawing in more foreign parties, leading to the destabilisation of Sudan and threatening international interests in the region. At the same time, fights are intensifying between the SAF and RSF in Al-Fasher, the capital of North Darfur State. Situated near the border triangle, Al-Fasher remains the last stronghold in Darfur where the army and its allied armed movements maintain a presence. The RSF is attempting to seize control of the city through attacks and heavy artillery bombardment. Meanwhile, Sudan's internal political landscape is facing challenges. Prime Minister Kamil Idris is having a hard time forming his long-anticipated government amid political tensions, disputes, and negotiations. Armed movements and blocs insist on securing their share of power. Furthermore, the leadership of the Tasees coalition — comprising the RSF and its allies and advocating the formation of a parallel government — find themselves entangled in their own internal power struggles. This comes at a time when the Sudanese people are desperately awaiting a political breakthrough that might offer relief from the war's devastating impact. * A version of this article appears in print in the 19 June, 2025 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Drapatyi ends tenure as Ground Forces chief, says he leaves with 'clear conscience'
Mykhailo Drapatyi said on June 11 that he had concluded his six-month tenure as commander of Ukraine's Ground Forces, summarizing his accomplishments and stating that he is leaving with "a clear conscience." Drapatyi submitted his resignation on June 1, following a deadly Russian missile strike that killed at least 12 Ukrainian soldiers at a training camp in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, saying the victims were young recruits who "should have learned, lived, and fought — not died." President Volodymyr Zelensky appointed him as commander of the Joint Forces on June 3, two days after the incident. The Ground Forces said the same day that an investigation was underway and pledged accountability if negligence or misconduct is found. In his statement, Drapatyi described the state of the Ground Forces at the time of his appointment on Nov. 29, 2024 as mired in "managerial stagnation," defined by fear, lack of initiative, and detachment from frontline units. "Systemic abuse, personnel decisions based on connections, low internal organization," he wrote. "The command is gradually shifting from a culture of fear to a culture of responsibility." Drapatyi said he had replaced over half of the Ground Forces' leadership in key functions and had begun reforms aimed at decentralization, accountability, and professionalism. Under his leadership, the military launched a revamp of recruitment centers, aiming to eliminate corruption and increase transparency in mobilization. Drapatyi also oversaw a partial overhaul of the army's training and staffing systems. New leadership was introduced in the drone, cyber, and electronic warfare units amid a wave of broader reforms. "Decisions are made not on the basis of status or loyalty, but on the basis of analysis, results, and respect for subordinates," Drapatyi said. "Grassroots initiatives ceased to be a threat and began to become a resource." Zelensky said on June 3 that Drapatyi's new role would focus "exclusively on combat issues." Read also: Ukraine's SBU releases fresh video of Operation Spiderweb, teases 'new surprises' We've been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Yahoo
04-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Russia strikes Ukrainian military training facility in Poltava Oblast, military says
Russia launched a missile attack against a military training facility in Poltava Oblast on June 4, resulting in injuries among the personnel, the Ground Forces' press service reported. "Thanks to timely and carefully planned security measures... the worst has been avoided," the press service said, saying that no soldiers have been killed in the attack against the central region, which lies about 100 kilometers (60 miles) east of Kyiv. The strike follows a string of Russian attacks against Ukrainian military facilities across Ukraine. A deadly missile strike on a training camp in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast on June 1 killed at least 12 soldiers and led to the resignation of then-Ground Forces Commander Mykhailo Drapatyi, who was later appointed the commander of the Joint Forces. The casualties sustained in Russian attacks deep in the rear sparked backlash, with military leadership facing criticism for failing to provide adequate security for soldiers and recruits. Security protocols, including dispersal of personnel and the use of shelters, "saved the lives of service members who were at the training facility at the time of the strike" on June 4, the Ground Force said. "Unfortunately, there are wounded. All victims are receiving care in specialized medical institutions." The press service did not specify the number of victims or the exact location of the targeted military facility. A special commission has been established to clarify the circumstances of the attack and the resulting damage, according to the statement. Read also: In western Ukraine, ethnic Romanians grapple with war, identity, and displacement We've been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Yahoo
03-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Zelensky reshuffles military leadership following Russian strike
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has made changes at the top of the military leadership. He said in his evening video message on Tuesday that the previous army chief, Mykhailo Drapatyi, has been relieved of organizational tasks such as mobilization, training and preparation of recruits. "Drapatyi will focus exclusively on combat issues and has been appointed Commander of the Joint Forces – so that he can concentrate on the front 100%," Zelensky said. The reduction in his responsibilities was preceded by a fatal Russian missile attack on a military training ground in the Dnipropetrovsk region. Drapatyi himself had offered his resignation via Telegram two days ago as a consequence of the fiasco, in which he said 12 soldiers were killed and dozens were injured. However, the 42-year-old is considered one of Ukraine's most capable generals. Most recently, he stabilized the situation in front of the embattled city of Pokrovsk in the Donetsk region. Observers believe that Zelensky did not want to forgo his leadership qualities at the front. Additionally, Zelensky appointed Oleh Apostol as the head of the paratrooper troops and Robert Brovdi as the head of the drone troops. Vadym Sukharevskyi is to modernize the entire command structure as the new deputy commander of the Eastern Army Group, said Zelensky. Ukraine is under severe pressure at the front in the ongoing Russian invasion, which has lasted more than three years. Politically, Zelensky called for further sanctions to be imposed on Russia following its missile strike on Sumy, in which four civilians were killed and about 30 injured. He said that Russian President Vladimir Putin would not change his tactics unless he was put under greater pressure.
Yahoo
03-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Mykhailo Drapatyi appointed as Commander of Joint Forces of Ukraine
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has appointed Mykhailo Drapatyi as Commander of the Joint Forces. Source: a statement by Zelenskyy; Defence Minister Rustem Umierov Quote: "Mykhailo Drapatyi will focus exclusively on combat issues and has been appointed Commander of the Joint Forces so that he can devote 100% of his attention to the front line. As regards the Ground Forces system, especially tasks such as training, preparation, changes in military enlistment offices and everything related to that, another person will be responsible for this." Details: Defence Minister Rustem Umierov also announced that a new person will be appointed in the Ground Forces who will be responsible for recruitment, mobilisation, training, and introducing new approaches in these processes to ensure the quality of training. However, Umierov did not say who it would be or when to expect the appointment. Background: On 1 June, Russian troops launched a missile strike on a training unit of the Ukrainian Ground Forces, killing at least 12 people and injuring more than 60. Drapatyi resigned that same day due to the tragedy, noting that as commander he had been unable to fully ensure that his orders were carried out. Earlier, Drapatyi had stated that he would remain in service, as he had spoken with President Zelenskyy and received an assignment from him. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon!
