Museveni Meets RSF Commander Gen. Hamdan Dagalo, Reiterates Dialogue

Museveni with General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni welcomed General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, commander of Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF), to State House Entebbe amid intensifying calls for an end to Sudan’s protracted civil war. The Friday meeting centered on prospects for dialogue to halt the violence that has ravaged the country since April 2023, when clashes erupted in Khartoum between the Sudanese Armed Forces under Gen. Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and the RSF.

The conflict has escalated into one of Africa’s most severe humanitarian disasters, forcing millions from their homes, destroying infrastructure, and pushing parts of Sudan toward famine. Museveni, drawing on his experience in regional mediation, stressed that lasting resolution lies not in continued fighting but in negotiation.

In his remarks, the Ugandan leader reiterated his consistent stance against divisive approaches. “When I last came to Sudan, I met President Bashir and advised against the politics of identity instead of the politics of interest,” President Museveni said. “Identity politics is poisonous. It does not yield good results. What is important are shared interests that unite people.”

He urged both sides to embrace talks, highlighting African-led initiatives as the most effective path forward. Museveni insisted that sustainable peace in Sudan requires dialogue and a shift toward inclusive politics, with all parties prioritizing consensus over military dominance to rebuild stability for Sudan and the broader region.

Gen. Dagalo, briefing the president on the evolving crisis, expressed appreciation for the warm reception and Museveni’s continental influence. “Your victory is not only a gain for Ugandans but for the whole continent,” he said. “We look at you as a wise man of Africa. We truly believe in your principles and your commitment to peace.”

The RSF leader acknowledged the severe humanitarian toll and institutional breakdowns caused by the war, reaffirming the need for a negotiated settlement. He also voiced eagerness to bolster ties with Uganda and neighboring countries through enhanced trade, educational exchanges, and deeper regional cooperation once peace is secured.

As the two leaders concluded their discussions, the atmosphere reflected cautious optimism. With Sudan still locked in brutal stalemate, the Entebbe encounter underscored Museveni’s enduring push for dialogue as the cornerstone of resolution—reminding warring factions that words, when backed by genuine will, can still silence guns and mend a fractured nation.