Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF) reaffirmed their dedication to facilitating humanitarian aid access to regions under their protection, emphasizing the necessity of coordinating aid distribution in line with established wartime protocols.
The Sudanese group underscored the importance of safeguarding humanitarian aid from falling into the hands of former regime jihadists, highlighting concerns about potential misuse.
Responding to a declaration by SLM/A leader Minni Arko Minnawi regarding an alleged agreement on humanitarian aid delivery to Darfur, RSF dismissed the claim, stating that Minnawi lacks the authority to negotiate such agreements on behalf of Darfur without proper authorization.
RSF further asserted that any attempt by the SLM/A chief to justify actions based on the Juba Agreement is null and void, as Sudan’s army chief, al-Burhan, has rendered it ineffective.
Addressing allegations of clandestine arms transportation into Darfur by extremist former regime factions, RSF emphasized the need to counter these efforts aimed at stoking tribal discord and ethnic tensions.
The group also accused certain Darfur factions of collaborating with entities linked to the National Congress Party to perpetrate attacks on local communities, including through tactics like barrel bombs.
RSF called on Minnawi to provide evidence and clarification regarding the management of humanitarian aid sent to Darfur, alleging misappropriation and involvement in extortion schemes during the ongoing famine.
Additionally, RSF claimed to have evidence implicating Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and associates in the sale of aid and relief items in markets controlled by the army.
While reaffirming their commitment to working with the UN and other organizations for effective aid distribution, RSF emphasized their intolerance for exploitation under the guise of aid, urging humanitarian agencies to deliver aid directly to those in need.
The group emphasized the need to differentiate between genuine humanitarian aid and former regime attempts to camouflage military support as relief operations.
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.