President Yoweri Museveni has hosted Gen. Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, leader of Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF), at State House Entebbe for important talks aimed at ending Sudan’s prolonged war and averting further regional instability.
The meeting, held on Friday, 20th February, 2026, focused on the way forward through dialogue to end the violence that has gripped Sudan since April 2023, when clashes erupted in Khartoum between the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) under Gen. Abdel Fattah al-Burhan.
What began as a power struggle in the capital quickly spiraled into a nationwide conflict, devastating infrastructure, crippling health and social services, and displacing millions of civilians.
The war has since evolved into one of Africa’s gravest humanitarian crises, with parts of the country facing severe food insecurity and famine risks.
Drawing on his experience in regional mediation, President Museveni emphasized that a lasting resolution cannot be achieved through continued military confrontation, but through inclusive negotiations and political dialogue.
During the engagement, the Ugandan President cautioned that the prolonged fighting threatens not only Sudan’s internal stability but also peace across East Africa and the wider region.
“When I last visited Sudan, I met former President Omar al-Bashir and advised against the politics of identity, emphasizing that identity politics is poisonous and does not yield good results; what truly matters are the shared interests that unite people,” President Museveni said.
The Ugandan leader restated his long-held view that lasting peace can only be secured through dialogue and an inclusive political settlement, not through continued military confrontation.
He emphasized the importance of African-led solutions to African conflicts, urging Sudan’s fighting factions to prioritize negotiations, warning that the conflict’s ripple effects; including refugee flows, economic disruption, and the potential spillover of armed groups pose serious security and humanitarian risks for neighboring countries.
“Africa must lead its own peace efforts, and Sudan’s warring parties should prioritize negotiations over war, because the after effects of the war like the refugees, economic strain, and armed groups crossing borders endangers neighboring countries,” President Museveni added.
In the meeting, Gen Dagalo, widely known as Hemedti, expressed appreciation for the warm reception and President Museveni’s continental influence.
“Your victory is not only a gain for Ugandans but for the entire continent. We see you as a wise African leader and have full confidence in your principles and commitment to peace,” he stated.
Gen. Dagalo acknowledged the magnitude of Sudan’s crisis and the devastating impact the war has had on both institutions and civilians, emphasizing that a peaceful resolution is crucial for the country’s recovery and for maintaining stability across the region.
The RSF leader also expressed interest in strengthening cooperation with Uganda and the broader region, particularly in trade, education, and regional integration, an indication of efforts to maintain diplomatic engagement despite ongoing hostilities.
The Entebbe talks highlight rising concern among regional leaders that Sudan’s conflict could alter security dynamics across Northeast Africa.
With the likelihood of a decisive military victory diminishing, calls for dialogue and peaceful resolution are gaining renewed urgency across the continent.
