Minni Arko Minawi denounces groups obstructing Juba Peace Agreement security arrangements and emphasizes his movement’s independence from the RSF. He refutes recruitment ban claims and comments on rising tensions among armed factions. RSF leader Hemedti asserts forces will not withdraw from key positions in Khartoum.
Darfur Governor Minni Arko Minawi, the leader of Sudan’s Joint Forces and head of the Sudan Liberation Movement breakaway faction (SLM-MM), has publicly condemned unnamed groups for hindering security arrangements stipulated in the Juba Peace Agreement. Speaking during a Ramadan iftar, he firmly rejected any comparisons between his forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
Minawi asserted that his movement has declined to merge into the RSF, emphasizing the importance of establishing a unified national army. He stated that his forces would disband if the security arrangements were fully implemented and remarked, “The ball is in the court of the armed forces.” He dismissed concerns regarding Juba Peace Agreement signatories morphing into a new version of the RSF, clarifying that his movement possesses a political vision, unlike the RSF, which is characterized as an ethnically based militia.
Furthermore, Minawi denied circulating reports that his movement had prohibited armed groups from recruiting new fighters. Recent online discussions suggested a restriction on recruitment; however, Minawi firmly refuted these claims. The situation saw further complexities as tensions escalated between armed factions, particularly the Sudan Shield Forces led by Abu Agla Keikil and the local residents of El Gezira, resulting in contradictory narratives circulating on social media.
Keikil, previously a senior RSF commander in El Gezira, allied with the RSF for a year before defecting to the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF). In a separate development, RSF leader Lt Gen Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (Hemedti) stated in a recorded address that his forces would not retreat from strategic positions in Khartoum, including the Presidential Palace. He accused adversaries of instigating violence in regions such as Darfur and Kordofan, while asserting that maintaining Sudan’s unity remains his objective.
Political analyst Mohamed Latif described Hemedti’s speech as escalatory, highlighting his lack of response concerning the establishment of a parallel government amid growing opposition.
In summary, Minni Arko Minawi has criticized obstruction of security arrangements under the Juba Peace Agreement and reinforced his movement’s commitment to a unified national army. He denied claims of restricting recruitment among armed groups and addressed rising tensions between factions. Concurrently, RSF leader Hemedti’s remarks highlighted his stance on maintaining a stronghold in Khartoum, drawing criticism for their potential to escalate conflicts within the region.
Original Source: www.dabangasudan.org
