Minnawi directs Darfur armed groups to protect civilians and markets
May 30, 2023 (EL-FASHER) – The governor of the Darfur region, Minni Minawi, directed a joint force of peace signatory groups in Darfur to protect civilians and markets from attacks and looting, stressing that they must confront the aggressor forces without delay.
The signatories to the Juba peace agreement in Darfur began on Tuesday the implementation of a program to protect markets, facilities and public institutions in the capital of North Darfur, El Fasher.
In his address to the forces before their deployment, Minnawi underscored their neutrality, stating that they do not align with any of the conflicting parties.
However, he emphasized that they are not neutral when it comes to protecting civilians and their property, making reference to incidents of looting, rape, and the burning of villages without explicitly naming the Rapid Support Forces and Arab tribal militias.
“You have three duties. First, take action against anyone attacking the markets. Second, respond to those attacking with the intent of raping our sisters and burning villages. And third, repel any attempted attacks on yourselves,” he said.
Minnawi further emphasized the message to the conflicting parties, urging them to keep away from markets and show respect for civilians, people in villages and neighbourhoods, and traders in the market.
Reiterating his call for self-defence, he urged civilians to acquire Kalashnikov rifles to defend themselves and protect their property, stressing that they should not wait until their loved ones are subjected to violence or their homes are set ablaze.
He stressed that his call was for self-defence purposes, not aggression against others.
The ongoing conflict between the army and Rapid Support Forces has heavily impacted almost all Darfur states. West Darfur, in particular, has witnessed simultaneous inter-communal attacks alongside the clashes between the regular army and paramilitary forces.
The inauguration of the markets protection operation was attended by Minnawi, representatives of the signatory groups at the Permanent Ceasefire Committee in Darfur, and several military commanders of the armed movements.
In late April, Darfur armed groups announced the establishment of a joint force to protect civilians in El Fasher, with plans to gradually expand their presence to other states due to the regular troops’ inability to ensure civilian protection amidst the conflict with the SRF.
(ST)