Three Darfur groups uphold neutrality in Sudan conflict
November 17, 2023 (KHARTOUM) – Three armed movements in Darfur that signed the Juba Peace Agreement have reaffirmed their commitment to neutrality in the ongoing armed conflict in Sudan and rejected the decision of other movements to abandon neutrality and join forces with the Sudanese army.
In a joint statement issued on Friday, Al-Hadi Idris, head of the Sudan Liberation Movement, Transitional Council, al-Tahir Hajer, head of the Gathering of Sudan Liberation Forces, and Hafez Ibrahim Abdel Nabi, vice-president of the Sudanese Alliance, stated that the three movements were “taken aback” by a press conference held in the city of Port Sudan on November 16 in the name of the Darfur groups signatories of the Juba peace agreement.
The statement emphasized that “since we, the signatories to this statement, were not present at this press conference and did not authorize anyone to participate or speak on our behalf, we are not bound by the positions taken in it.”
“Since we, the signatories to this statement, were not present at this press conference and did not authorize anyone to participate or speak on our behalf, therefore we are not bound by the positions taken in it,” the statement declared.
The three movements reiterated their unwavering commitment to neutrality and their dedication to pursuing a peaceful resolution to the conflict through dialogue and negotiation. They pledged to work together to protect civilians and their property, facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid, and ensure the fulfilment of the essential needs of the people of Darfur.
Their stance stands in stark contrast to the decision announced on Thursday by Minni Minawi, Gibril Ibrahim, and Mustafa Tambour, who declared the end of their neutrality and their readiness to engage in military operations on all fronts. Their decision was attributed to the recent escalation of violence in Darfur and the alleged atrocities committed by the RSF against civilians.
This development marks the end of a unified position among the peace signatories regarding the conflict between the army and the RSF, which was the cornerstone on which the joint force to protect civilians in Darfur was built.
(ST)