Minawi: RSF Militia Adopts Mass Killing and Ethnic Cleansing as a Constant Approach

The Citizen

The Governor of Darfur, Minni Arko Minnawi, stated that the war waged by the Rapid Support Forces militia targets Sudan’s sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity, and directly targets civilians through mass killings, ethnic cleansing, and the perpetration of horrific massacres. He emphasized that these violations represent a consistent approach of the rebel militia, as evidenced by its extensive criminal record.

This came during his official visit to the European Union, where he met at the German Foreign Ministry in Berlin with Ms. Gisa Breutingham, Director of the Sub-Saharan Africa and Sahel Department at the German Foreign Ministry.

At the outset of the meeting, Minnawi expressed the Sudanese government’s appreciation for the humanitarian support that the Federal Republic of Germany has consistently provided to the Sudanese people, particularly given the complex humanitarian situation in the country.

The Governor of Darfur explained that his previous warnings regarding the situation in El Fasher had come true. He indicated that the Rapid Support Forces’ entry into the city had led to widespread crimes amounting to genocide, holding the international community responsible for what had occurred due to its failure to take timely deterrent measures.

Minnawi described the events in Sudan as a full-scale war of aggression waged by the United Arab Emirates, using the Rapid Support Forces as a proxy. He called on the international community to take decisive action, including sanctioning the militia and designating it a terrorist organization, similar to other known terrorist groups, given the nature of the grave crimes and violations it commits against civilians in blatant contravention of international humanitarian law.

He emphasized that talk of a humanitarian truce without the withdrawal of the rebel militia from cities, civilian infrastructure, and citizens’ homes, and their regrouping in designated areas, along with the expulsion of mercenaries from Sudanese territory and the release of abductees, remains futile, as civilians cannot return to their villages and cities while these forces remain present.

Minnawi stressed the Sudanese government’s commitment to achieving peace based on a clear vision founded on the principles of a just and sustainable peace that preserves the country’s sovereignty and unity and safeguards the rights and dignity of the Sudanese people.

Regarding regional initiatives, he clarified that the Sudanese government’s position on the “Quartet” initiative is clear and public: it rejects it due to the participation of the United Arab Emirates. He affirmed that any country involved in instigating and financing war cannot be a mediator or facilitator of the peace process. He noted the ongoing consultations between Sudan and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Arab Republic of Egypt, and the United States of America, along with other international partners, to reach a peaceful solution that achieves stability.

The Governor of Darfur reiterated the Sudanese people’s determination to rid their land of the terrorist militia and restore security and stability.

For her part, Ms. Jessa Brautigam expressed her shock at the events in El Fasher and offered her condolences to the victims’ families. She affirmed that Germany is continuing its contacts with the United Arab Emirates to urge it to abandon its negative role in the war.

She explained that Germany is working within the framework of the European Union to maintain pressure on the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) militia. She noted the recent imposition of sanctions on Abdul Rahim Dagalo, the militia’s second-in-command and brother of its leader, and mentioned ongoing coordination with the Kingdom of the Netherlands to explore additional sanctions targeting other leaders.

She also expressed her country’s concern about the RSF’s advance in the Kordofan region and its arrival at the Heglig oil production areas. She indicated that Germany is monitoring reports concerning weapons exported to the UAE that have ended up in the hands of the militia, and affirmed that oversight measures are being taken to prevent a recurrence.

Breutham affirmed Germany’s commitment to continuing its diplomatic efforts and international contacts to end the war and achieve peace and stability in Sudan.