RSF leader discusses with UN relief chief delivery of humanitarian aid in Sudan

January 23, 2024 (KHARTOUM) – Mohamed Hamdan Daglo “Hemetti”, the leader of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), held a telephone conversation with Martin Griffiths, the United Nations under-secretary-general for humanitarian affairs, to discuss the urgent need to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid to civilians in war-affected regions of Sudan.

In a statement released on Tuesday, Hemetti revealed that he discussed with Griffiths the process of ensuring safe passage for humanitarian aid convoys through RSF-controlled areas, specifically Al-Jazirah State, to reach the states of Kordofan, Darfur, White Nile, and Khartoum, as well as other parts of Sudan experiencing severe humanitarian crises.

The RSF forces control four out of five states in the Darfur region, Khartoum, and Al-Jazirah states. In the Kordofan region, the paramilitary forces have failed to seize the army garrison in El-Obeid of North Kordofan, and fighting is ongoing for control of the army command in Bababusa of West Kordofan.

Daglo further emphasized the importance of maintaining a consistent presence of aid organizations in Kordofan and Darfur, citing the immediate necessity for humanitarian operations in these regions.

The UN relief official has not yet issued a statement regarding the phone call, as the military-led government in Port Sudan has expressed concerns that Daglo’s communication and recent visits are aimed at gaining international recognition as a de facto ruler of certain Sudanese regions.

Daglo also acknowledged the need to strengthen efforts to safeguard civilians in areas under RSF control. He expressed his commitment to upholding international humanitarian law, protecting civilians, and collaborating with all humanitarian organizations to facilitate and support their work in these areas.

The RSF leader left Sudan in December 2023 and is currently residing in Nairobi, where he is engaged in meetings and networking.

(ST)