Minawi Criticizes Juba Peace Delays and Rejects RSF Comparisons

Minni Arko Minawi criticizes other factions for hindering the Juba Peace Agreement and rejects comparisons to the RSF, insisting on a unified national army. He denies claims of a recruitment ban within his movement. Tensions rise in El Gezira involving armed groups and residents. RSF leader Hemedti pledges to maintain key positions in Khartoum despite critics.

Minni Arko Minawi, the Governor of Darfur and leader of Sudan’s Joint Forces, has condemned unnamed factions for impeding security measures outlined in the Juba Peace Agreement. Speaking during a Ramadan iftar on Saturday, he specifically disapproved of any comparisons drawn between his forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), affirming his movement’s commitment to integration into a national army rather than the RSF.

Minawi emphasized that his forces would disband upon the full implementation of security arrangements, stating, “The ball is in the court of the armed forces.” He disputed claims that the signatories of the Juba Peace Agreement could resemble the RSF, stating that his movement possesses a political vision, unlike the RSF, which he characterized as an ethnically-based militia.

Contrary to circulating social media reports, Minawi refuted allegations that he had prohibited armed groups from recruiting new fighters. Recently, a directive claiming to ban such recruitment was posted online; however, Minawi asserted that his movement was not engaging in the enlistment of new members.

Tensions have intensified between armed groups, particularly the Sudan Shield Forces led by Abu Agla Keikil, and local residents in El Gezira, amid contrasting narratives online. Keikil, former senior RSF commander in El Gezira, had previously aligned with the RSF before defecting to the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF).

Meanwhile, RSF leader Lt. Gen. Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, known as Hemedti, delivered a recorded speech declaring that his forces will remain in critical locations in Khartoum, including the Presidential Palace. He accused adversaries of provoking violence in Darfur and Kordofan, reiterating his commitment to maintaining Sudan’s unity. Political analyst Mohamed Latif critiqued Hemedti’s address as escalatory, especially noting his lack of comments on potential formations of a parallel government amid widespread dissent.

In conclusion, Minni Arko Minawi has vocally opposed groups obstructing the Juba Peace Agreement’s security arrangements, while emphasizing his movement’s desire to disband under proper conditions. Additionally, tensions involving armed factions in El Gezira reflect broader instability, and Hemedti’s continued military presence in Khartoum indicates ongoing challenges to Sudanese unity. These developments underscore the complexities surrounding peace processes in the region.

Original Source: www.dabangasudan.org