The governor of Darfur, Mini Arko Minawi, publicly accused United Nations agencies and aid organizations of collusion with the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in a news conference on Monday. Joined by Salwa Adam Binia from Sudan’s Humanitarian Aid Commission, Minawi alleged that international groups have overlooked RSF abuses against civilians and supplied aid to the paramilitary group, intensifying the humanitarian crisis in Darfur.
Minawi condemned the RSF for blocking critical aid routes, particularly besieging El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur, and restricting food access, which he characterized as a “genocide.” He further accused RSF forces of deliberately targeting civilians in areas like El Geneina in West Darfur, alongside attacks on essential infrastructure in the region. Binia added that the government has documented evidence of aid supplies, originally destined for displaced civilians, being diverted to the RSF, allegedly through key border crossings at El Tina and Adré. She questioned who received the distributed aid given the extreme conditions facing Darfur’s displaced populations.
Binia also asserted that RSF fighters have looted aid shipments from UNICEF, the World Food Program, and the World Health Organization. Additionally, she highlighted protocol violations by some organizations that allegedly allowed entry into Sudan without proper visas, suggesting that their reports might obscure the real challenges facing aid distribution. Emphasizing Sudan’s commitment to aiding civilians under RSF control, she criticized any provision of support that could indirectly sustain RSF operations. She also called for improved protocols at the Adré crossing with Chad, suggesting that measures like electronic gates and inspections be implemented to prevent weapons smuggling.
In response to Minawi and Binia’s accusations, a representative for UN agencies in Sudan defended the humanitarian groups, citing adherence to international law and challenges like security risks and infrastructure damage caused by seasonal rains. The representative urged Sudan’s government to allow greater access and maintain permits for aid efforts across all crossing points.
Simultaneously, a UN Security Council expert panel arrived in Port Sudan on Sunday to investigate alleged RSF war crimes in Darfur. This marks the panel’s first visit since the conflict began in April 2023. Sudanese authorities, including retired Lieutenant General Ezz El-Din Osman Taha, briefed the panel on RSF violence in Darfur and neighboring regions, stressing the government’s commitment to peace and cooperation with the panel.
The UN’s Security Council, operating under Resolution 1591, maintains an arms embargo on Darfur and mandates sanctions against violators. On Friday, it imposed travel bans and asset freezes on two RSF commanders, Osman Mohamed Hamed and Juma Park Allah, as part of its oversight of compliance with the embargo.