Darfur joint force reiterates support for Sudanese army, vows to defend El Fasher

 April 11, 2024 (EL-FASHER) – Leaders from the joint force of armed movements in Sudan on Thursday reaffirmed their support for the Sudanese army and pledged to defend El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur state.

A high-level military delegation from the force, including commanders from the Sudan Liberation Movement (SLM) led by Minni Minnawi and the Gathering of Sudan Liberation Forces (GSLF), conducted an inspection tour of Joint Force locations in El Fasher. GSLF’s Abboud Adam Khater notably voiced support for the army, while Tahir Hajer, another GSLF leader, maintained a neutral stance.

This inspection follows reports of troop movement by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) near El Fasher, raising concerns of a potential attack.

The Joint Force issued a statement on Thursday, declaring an end to neutrality. Their spokesperson stated their intent to fight alongside the army against the RSF and its allies, taking an offensive stance to protect humanitarian aid deliveries. They emphasized they will open roads and attack any RSF attempts to block aid convoys.

The spokesperson expressed regret over the RSF’s alleged provocations, including threats to block aid and attacks on Joint Force positions. The RSF previously announced that it could potentially block aid on the Al-Dabba-Mellit-El-Fasher route.

It’s important to note that the SLM under Minnawi and the Justice and Equality Movement (JEM) led by Gibril Ibrahim are already deployed alongside the Sudanese army in other areas of Sudan. Their alignment has caused friction within the Darfur-based Joint Force, which includes the Sudan Liberation Movement – Transitional Council (SLM-TC) and Tahir Hajer’s GSLF faction. These latter two groups recently announced the formation of a separate joint force.