Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF) on Thursday said it was firmly committed to enabling aid access to areas under its protection, but humanitarian aid distribution must be coordinated in accordance with established wartime protocols.
Sudanese group said it is imperative to prevent the misuse of humanitarian aid and not let it fall into the hands of the jihadist former regime.
RSF commented on a declaration by SLM/A head Minni Arko Minnawi, that an agreement on the delivery of humanitarian aid from Port Sudan through Al Dabba Road (Northern State) to Darfur had been reached, is false.
“We do not recognize any such agreement, and it is not within our purview. Minnawi does not possess the mandate to negotiate agreements or accept aid on behalf of the people of Darfur without appropriate authorization.”
RSF emphasized that if the SLM/A chief seeks to justify his actions based on the Juba Agreement, it is essential to acknowledge that Sudan’s army chief, al-Burhan, has effectively rendered it null and void.
RSF added that SLM/A head cannot claim legitimacy from the de facto Darfur government as its forces had liberated all of Darfur from the jihadi remnants of the former regime and its supporters.
RSF stated that its investigations have uncovered persistent endeavors by the extremist former regime to clandestinely transport arms into Darfur, with a particular focus on Al Fashir.
RSF asserted that these operations by jihadi factions are orchestrated to instigate tribal discord and exacerbate ethnic strife.
Additionally, specific Darfur factions have forged alliances with entities associated with the National Congress Party to perpetuate assaults on local communities, employing tactics such as barrel bombs, RSF statement said.
The group called on SLM/A leader Minnawi to provide proof and clarification on his management of humanitarian aid provisions sent to Darfur communities.
“Our evidence suggests misappropriation for personal gain and his (Minnawi) involvement in extortion schemes during the ongoing famine in Darfur,” statement said.
The group also said it had evidence of Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and his cohorts of selling aid and relief items at open markets controlled by the army.
“We strongly encourage humanitarian agencies to deliver aid directly to those in need, and we assure the security and protection of this support in the areas under our protection.”
RSF said is committed to working with the UN and other organizations to guarantee effective aid distribution in areas under its control, however it would not tolerate exploitation under the guise of aid.
“We stress the importance of distinguishing between authentic humanitarian aid and the former regime’s efforts to camouflage military support under the pretext of relief operations,” RSF said.
Sudan has been mired by fighting between the army, led by Gen. Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, who is the head of the ruling Sovereign Council, and the RSF.
At least 13,900 people have been killed and more than eight million displaced in the conflict that started in April 2023, according to UN figures.
Several cease-fire agreements brokered by Saudi Arabia and US mediators have failed to end the violence.
