Sudan Liberation Movement leader and Darfur Governor, Minni Minawi, has emphasized the importance of forming a unified national army to ensure peace and democracy once the current conflict concludes. During a Saturday meeting in Paris, Minawi asserted that a single national military is essential for long-term stability in Sudan.
Minawi, who participated in the war on the side of the army, clarified that his involvement was not for political or personal gain, but a necessity after the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) escalated violence against civilians and destroyed villages and camps.
He called for the “One army, one people” slogan to become a reality, with all military factions operating under state control. He argued that reforming the armed forces is crucial, but must be preceded by ending the conflict, whether through military action or a political settlement.
This follows concerns raised about why armed movements in Darfur, which took part in the fight against the RSF, have not yet been integrated into the army, despite the Juba Peace Agreement signed four years ago. In a recent interview with Al-Zarqaa TV, Lieutenant General Yasir al-Atta, the assistant commander-in-chief of the Sudanese army, revealed that the military had agreed with Darfur’s armed factions to incorporate their forces into the national army once the war is over.
Minawi also stressed the need for a comprehensive national dialogue that includes all political groups, religious factions, and tribes. He criticized the exclusion of any Sudanese citizens from the political process, noting that such practices have only deepened the country’s divisions.
“There are claims that I want to include Islamists in the dialogue. To those critics, I say that no one has the right to deprive any citizen of their identity or participation. Exclusion has brought us to this state of conflict. Genuine peace can only be achieved with everyone at the table,” Minawi declared.
Additionally, he called for justice to hold accountable those who have committed crimes or exploited public resources. He argued that the path to a democratic Sudan requires a system that guarantees public freedoms and the fair distribution of wealth and power.
“Since independence in 1956, we’ve been discussing state reforms, social justice, and addressing regional disparities. These issues persist, and they cannot be solved with superficial solutions,” he said.
Lastly, Minawi urged the international community to prevent external interference in Sudan’s internal affairs. He emphasized that the Sudanese people deserve peace and progress, expressing disappointment with the international community’s passive stance as violations of UN principles continue.