Minnawi to Radio France: The war in Sudan will not end without taking these decisions

Darfur Governor and leader of the Sudan Liberation Movement
Minni Arko Minnawi, was a guest on Radio France Internationale’s “Grand Africa” ​​program. During his visit to Paris, he discussed the latest developments in the Sudanese crisis, foreign interventions, and the prospects for peace. He also called on the United Arab Emirates to engage in direct dialogue with the Sudanese authorities.

Q: When will the war end?
A: I wish it would end today, but that cannot happen without taking certain measures.

Q:What are these measures?

A: In reality, there are many factors that have contributed to this war, most notably the external factor represented by the United Arab Emirates, which must withdraw from the conflict and cease its involvement. Internally, it will be much easier for us to sit down together and end the war.

Q: Do you reject the UAE’s participation in the Quartet (the United States, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE)?

A: Yes, we reject its presence in the Quartet because it is supposed to play the role of mediator, but it is a party to the conflict. How can one be both judge and jury?

Q: Can you identify the countries cooperating with the UAE to support the Rapid Support Forces?

A: It’s clear, especially regarding certain officials in eastern Libya, specifically in Benghazi, which is under Emirati influence. There’s also Chad. These are countries being used by the UAE to implement its project to dismantle Sudan, a project that could extend to the rest of Africa.

Q::You mentioned Chad, despite internal divisions on this issue?

A: The majority of the Chadian people reject funding the war to serve the interests of the UAE and the Rapid Support Forces. Darfur and Chad are socially intertwined, almost like extensions of one another. Therefore, most of the Chadian people, including those close to the president, reject the policies of Mohamed Idriss Déby, which have led to the destruction of cities, massacres, and ethnic cleansing.

Q::What interest does the Chadian president have in intervening?

A: We don’t know; perhaps it’s due to a lack of experience.

Q: Are you also accusing Ethiopia of intervening?

A::Yes, and there are other sources confirming this, including countries with advanced technologies. Attacks were launched from Ethiopian territory by the Rapid Support Forces, along with their ally, the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N) led by Abdelaziz al-Hilu.

Q; Are you afraid that Sudan will be divided if the war drags on?

A: Absolutely. The foreign powers that ignited the war are seeking to control Sudan, and when they failed, they turned to dividing it, especially Darfur and parts of Kordofan. But the Sudanese people reject this, and today they stand united alongside the armed forces and the joint forces. This project will not succeed.

Q::Are you calling on the UAE for direct dialogue?

A::Yes, we are calling for direct bilateral dialogue between Sudan and the UAE to restore normal relations, based on the exchange of interests and resources through official channels, not through intervention, support for militias, and the perpetration of crimes.

Q: What is the UAE seeking? Sudan’s wealth?

A: We don’t know, but if wealth is the goal, it can be achieved through dialogue and legitimate economic cooperation, not through war and bloodshed.

Q::How do you assess the American role?

A: The American role is very important, and it must be official. We hope that any peace plan will be acceptable to the Sudanese government and people.

Q: Will Sudan accept sharing wealth in exchange for peace?

A: I cannot judge before knowing the details of any proposal.

Q: What message would you like to add?

A: The Rapid Support Forces represent a humanitarian catastrophe, as the cities they have seized have become ghost towns. They are a militia that should be designated as a terrorist organization. They continue to kill civilians using sophisticated weapons and drones, reportedly supported by the UAE. It is the responsibility of the government and the army to end this war and protect the citizens.