The Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) has denied accusations by Ethiopia's army chief, Field Marshal Birhanu Jula, that Sudan is backing an alliance of armed groups seeking to remove Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's government. In a statement, the Sudanese army described the allegations as baseless. The statement also accused Ethiopia of supporting Sudan's paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) through training, supplies, and the use of Ethiopian territory for military activities.
The Sudanese army's rejection of the accusations comes after Birhanu on Saturday accused Egypt and Sudan of supporting a new alliance of armed groups seeking to remove Abiy. The alliance, announced last week, includes seven groups, among them the Tigray People's Liberation Front, the Oromo Liberation Army, and the Amhara Fano National Movement. Its members say they want to remove Abiy's government and establish a transitional administration.
The accusations come as fighting has resumed in northern Ethiopia, with Tigrayan forces clashing with federal troops. Tensions between Ethiopia and Sudan have also risen in recent months. Sudan previously accused Ethiopia of involvement in drone attacks on Khartoum airport and of supporting Tigrayan fighters. Ethiopia rejected the accusations as baseless.
The Sudanese army's spokesperson, Asim Awad Abdelwahab, said Sudan respects international law and the principles of good neighbourly relations and doesn't interfere in the internal affairs of other countries. Asim added that Sudan would not tolerate any infringement of its sovereignty or national security. The Sudanese army called on Ethiopia to exercise "accuracy and responsibility" and use dialogue and official channels to protect the security and stability of the two countries and the wider region.
The conflict between Ethiopia and Sudan is not limited to the accusations of supporting armed groups. Ethiopia and Egypt are also at odds over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) on the Blue Nile. Egypt and Sudan want a legally binding agreement on its operation, while Ethiopia says the dam is essential for generating electricity and will not significantly harm downstream countries.
Eritrea, which fought alongside Ethiopian federal forces during the 2020-2022 Tigray war, has also been accused by Ethiopia of supporting the new armed alliance. Eritrea has denied the allegation. The tensions between Ethiopia and Sudan have raised concerns about the stability of the region.
The Sudanese Armed Forces will remain vigilant in protecting the nation's borders and sovereignty and capable of confronting any threat to its security and stability. The rejection of the accusations by the Sudanese army has not led to a response from Ethiopia, but it is clear that the tensions between the two countries will continue to be a major concern in the region.
Key points
- Sudan's military rejects Ethiopia's claim that Sudan is supporting armed groups seeking to remove PM Abiy Ahmed's government.
- The accusations come as fighting has resumed in northern Ethiopia, with Tigrayan forces clashing with federal troops.
- Tensions between Ethiopia and Sudan have risen in recent months, including over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) on the Blue Nile.
