GARDAMILITARY – Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, commonly known as “Hamidti,” the leader of the Sudanese Rapid Support Forces, made a noteworthy arrival in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa, on Thursday. His presence drew considerable attention following the postponed meeting with senior Ethiopian official Berhanu Jula.
Hamidti’s arrival at Bole International Airport was met with a warm welcome by Ethiopian Foreign Minister Demeke Mekonnen, according to Ethiopia’s official news agency. Hamidti’s visit to Ethiopia is a crucial component of his broader efforts to mediate recent developments in the region, especially those related to conflicts and political transformations involving Sudan and its neighboring nations.
In a statement to reporters upon his arrival, Hamidti expressed, “I am pleased to be in Ethiopia and engage in discussions with Ethiopian leaders. This is a positive step towards finding solutions and addressing challenges faced by this region.”
While the anticipated meeting with Berhanu Jula, a high-ranking Ethiopian official, faced a delay, Hamidti remains scheduled to engage with Ethiopian leaders to deliberate on pressing issues and bolster cooperation between the two nations.
A day prior, on Wednesday, Hamidti was received by Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni at his residence. This meeting served as an opportune platform for the two leaders to delve into recent developments in Sudan, particularly focusing on efforts to bring an end to the conflict that has persisted for the past nine months.
During the meeting, Museveni voiced his support for peace initiatives in Sudan, stating, “We hope that constructive dialogues like this can contribute to achieving a fair and sustainable resolution to the conflict in Sudan.” He underscored the significance of regional cooperation in effectively addressing security and stability challenges in East Africa.
Following the meeting with Museveni, Hamidti, in a statement, expressed gratitude for the warm reception and characterized the meeting as a positive stride toward supporting peace and stability in Sudan. “We appreciate President Museveni’s support, and we are committed to collaborating with countries in this region to achieve lasting peace,” he affirmed.
These diplomatic engagements with regional leaders underscore the pivotal role of dialogue in resolving conflicts and promoting enduring peace in the region. Hamidti, in his capacity as the leader of the Sudanese Rapid Support Forces, wields substantial influence in shaping the political landscape of Sudan and its surrounding territories. His presence in Ethiopia and interactions with high-ranking regional officials signify progressive strides towards achieving a peaceful resolution and stability—a prospect eagerly anticipated by various stakeholders.
As Hamidti’s diplomatic journey unfolds, it underscores the interconnectedness of regional dynamics and the collective efforts required to address challenges and foster a more stable and peaceful East African region. The outcomes of these diplomatic endeavors hold the potential to not only impact Sudan but also contribute to the broader regional stability in East Africa.