RSF voices rejection of new humanitarian aid route to Darfur

March 21, 2024 (KHARTOUM) – The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) rejected a new route announced by Darfur Governor Minni Minawi to deliver humanitarian aid to the war-torn region.

Minawi, in agreement with UN agencies, planned to use a route starting from Port Sudan and passing through Al-Dabba in northern Sudan, an area controlled by armed forces and allied groups.

However, the RSF dismissed the proposal in a Thursday statement, arguing that Minawi lacked the authority to make such decisions. The RSF claims to have “liberated” Darfur from remnants of the former regime and considers the Juba Peace Agreement no longer valid.

The RSF further accused Minawi of seizing aid shipments and the military of selling relief materials. While pledging cooperation in securing aid within their control, they expressed concern about potential weapon smuggling disguised as humanitarian aid, claiming to have evidence of such attempts.

The paramilitary group emphasized their commitment to working with the UN and relief agencies “under clear and transparent understandings.” They oppose using aid for “war agendas” or weapon smuggling.

UN agencies called for urgent humanitarian assistance, saying many Sudanese will face catastrophic food insecurity in the coming months. They point out that 18 million Sudanese people are facing acute food insecurity.

On Wednesday, the Security Council held a meeting to discuss the situation in Sudan. The 15-member body was briefed by Edem Wosornu of the UN Humanitarian Affairs Office, OCHA, Maurizio Martina, the Deputy Director-General of the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), and Carl Skau, the Deputy Executive Director of the UN World Food Programme (WFP).

The war between the Sudanese army and the rival paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has left 18 million people – more than a third of the population – facing acute food insecurity.

The majority, or about 90 per cent, are in conflict hotspots in the Darfur and Kordofan regions and in Khartoum and Al Jazirah states.