Sudan’s Darfur governor accuses RSF of planning state creation

April 21, 2024 (EL FASHER) – Darfur State governor, Minni Arko Minawi has accused the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) of planning to create a new state in western Sudan.

He claimed on social media platform “X” on Sunday that the RSF’s territorial expansion aims to establish an unrecognized entity.

Minawi alleged the recent attack on Mellit town, north of El Fasher, was part of a strategy to encircle the Darfur capital and pressure residents by restricting humanitarian aid.

He called the move an attempt to force acceptance of RSF presence in the region.

The RSF, a paramilitary group led by General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (also Sudan’s deputy leader), currently controls most of Darfur after defeating the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) in several battles.

They recently seized Mellit, a strategic location that disrupts aid deliveries on the Port Sudan-Dabbah-Malit route.

In response, the Sudan Liberation Movement (SLM), led by Minawi, announced the suspension of its activities and office operations in RSF-controlled areas.

The SLM, a signatory to the 2020 Juba Peace Agreement, has faced harassment from the RSF, including arrests and office closures.

The SLM spokesperson Al-Sadiq Ali Al-Nur stated that the decision was based on security concerns and reassessment of the political climate in RSF-held territories.

The movement’s offices will remain closed “until further notice,” he further stressed.

(ST)