Minawi criticizes groups obstructing the Juba Peace Agreement and emphasizes his forces’ potential disbandment upon security arrangement implementation. He denies recruitment bans amid tensions with the Sudan Shield Forces. Hemedti asserts RSF’s commitment to key positions in Khartoum, fueling concerns of political escalation.
Minni Arko Minawi, the Governor of Darfur and leader of the Sudan Liberation Movement breakaway faction (SLM-MM), has criticized unnamed groups for obstructing the security arrangements outlined in the Juba Peace Agreement. During a recent Ramadan iftar, he emphasized that his forces do not align with the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and have insisted on integrating into a unified national army instead.
Minawi asserted that his forces would disband if security arrangements were fully implemented, stating, “The ball is in the court of the armed forces.” He dismissed fears that signatories of the Juba Peace Agreement would mirror the RSF, highlighting that his movement possesses a political vision, unlike the RSF, which he described as an ethnically based militia.
Additionally, he refuted claims circulating on social media about banning armed groups from recruiting new fighters. A recent online directive suggesting such a ban was addressed by Minawi, who stated that his movement is not enlisting new members despite the rumors.
Conflict has emerged between armed groups, particularly the Sudan Shield Forces led by Abu Agla Keikil and local residents in El Gezira, with competing narratives surfacing on social media. Keikil previously served as a senior RSF commander in El Gezira before his defection to the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF).
In a separate development, RSF leader Lt Gen Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, known as Hemedti, announced in a recorded speech that his forces will remain in key positions in Khartoum, including the Presidential Palace. He accused adversaries of inciting violence in Darfur and Kordofan while maintaining his objective of national unity. Political analyst Mohamed Latif characterized Hemedti’s speech as escalatory and noted his lack of response regarding the formation of a parallel government amid growing opposition.
Minawi has strongly rejected comparisons between his forces and the RSF while insisting on a path towards a unified national army. He has refuted claims of recruitment bans and emphasized the political vision of his movement. Meanwhile, Hemedti’s remarks indicate ongoing tension and unresolved conflicts in Sudan, highlighting the complexities surrounding the Juba Peace Agreement and the future of national unity.
Original Source: www.dabangasudan.org
