Darfur governor accuses UN agencies, aid groups of aiding RSF
November 11, 2024 (PORT SUDAN) – The governor of Darfur accused United Nations agencies and humanitarian organizations on Monday of complicity with the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), alleging they have ignored abuses against civilians and diverted aid to the paramilitary group.
Governor Mini Arko Minawi, speaking at a news conference alongside Salwa Adam Binia, the commissioner of the Humanitarian Aid Commission, claimed that aid groups have turned a blind eye to RSF atrocities committed outside of active combat zones. He accused the international community of a “deafening silence,” motivated by “fear or shame,” and asserted that the RSF has deliberately targeted civilians in El Geneina, the capital of West Darfur, and other areas.
Minawi said the RSF has besieged El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur, preventing food deliveries by aid groups and traders, creating what he called a “genocide.” He also condemned the RSF’s shelling of critical infrastructure in the city.
Furthermore, Minawi alleged that RSF fighters looted aid trucks belonging to UNICEF, the World Food Program, and the World Health Organization with impunity, citing specific incidents with dates and locations.
Government has evidence
Binia said the government has evidence that aid organizations have distributed hundreds of tons of supplies to the RSF through land crossings in Darfur.
“Organizations brought tons of aid through the El Tina and Adré crossings, while El Fasher is besieged, and the rest of Darfur’s population is either displaced or refugees,” she said. “So, who was the aid distributed to?”
Binia accused the groups of acting outside their mandates by handing over aid to the RSF and then failing to disclose that the supplies had been seized. She also challenged claims by aid organizations that the government is obstructing their activities.
“This is not true,” she said. “Perhaps the organizations are submitting incorrect reports, and instead of condemning those who obstruct aid, they remain silent and criticize the government.”
Binia stressed that the Sudanese government is committed to helping its people, even in areas under RSF control, but she insisted that providing aid to the RSF, which she accused of orchestrating a famine, is unacceptable.
“The international community says that there is famine, but by what standards and who conducted the survey?” she asked. “There is a systematic plan for starvation by the RSF.”
Binia also accused some organizations of violating protocol by allowing employees to enter the country without visas. She expressed a willingness to cooperate with aid groups but demanded adherence to established standards.
Regarding the Adré crossing between Sudan and Chad, Binia said its continued operation hinges on forming a joint mechanism between the United Nations, Sudan, and Chad, installing electronic gates, and implementing inspection mechanisms to prevent weapons smuggling.
“Why the focus on the Adré crossing, which was opened for three months, despite the existence of 12 other crossings?” she asked. “The requirements for the continuation of the Adré crossing must be met before it closes on Dec. 15.”
A representative for the U.N. resident coordinator for humanitarian affairs and the UNHCR in Sudan defended the organizations and agencies, saying they are committed to international law and international humanitarian law.
She said U.N. agencies are focused on delivering aid to those affected by the conflict but face significant challenges, including security risks and damaged infrastructure caused by rain and floods. She called on the government to open all crossings and continue granting permits to aid groups.