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By Ginaba Lino
Juba, South Sudan — The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in South Sudan has strongly refuted claims made by the Assistant Commander-in-Chief of the Sudanese Armed Forces, General Yasser Al-Atta, that 65% of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) are South Sudanese citizens.
In a press statement, the Director of Media and Spokesperson for the Ministry, Ambassador Apuk A. Mayen, described the allegations as an “absolute exaggeration” and categorically denied the claim.
“On 20 January 2025, various media outlets broadcasted video footage of General Yasser Al-Atta, the Assistant Commander-in-Chief of the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), addressing troops from an undisclosed location. During his speech, he claimed that 65% of the RSF combatants were South Sudanese nationals.”
“We strongly condemn this assertion as both false and dangerous,” Amb. Apuk stated, emphasizing that the claim lacked factual basis and was intended to mislead the public.
Ambassador Apuk further clarified that General Al-Atta had acknowledged the involvement of opposition groups in the RSF, particularly referencing forces led by General Stephen Buay, which are not under the control of the South Sudan government.
“General Al-Atta himself admitted that many who have joined the RSF are from opposition groups, explicitly naming General Stephen Buay’s faction. We want to be clear that the South Sudan government does not control these forces.”
Apuk expressed surprise that General Al-Atta would continue to spread such claims despite the availability of clear facts. She also addressed the Sudanese government’s echoing of these allegations.
“The South Sudanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs is also disappointed by the Sudanese Ministry’s surprising endorsement of General Al-Atta’s statements. We regret that they would use such claims to undermine South Sudan’s position.”
The spokesperson also clarified that South Sudan’s recent statement at the United Nations Security Council, delivered by Minister of Foreign Affairs Hon. Ramadan Mohamed Abdallah Goc, was not an appeal for external intervention, particularly from the African Union, as suggested by Sudanese authorities.
South Sudan remains committed to supporting Sudanese refugees, with over one million currently hosted in the country, according to reports from the United Nations and humanitarian organizations working at the Sudan-South Sudan border.
Ambassador Apuk reiterated that South Sudan is open and willing to continue assisting its Sudanese neighbors in distress, providing refuge and support during their time of need.
“South Sudan has welcomed over one million Sudanese refugees, and we stand ready to assist even more as the need arises. Our commitment to supporting our Sudanese brothers and sisters remains steadfast.”