We welcome international initiatives to deliver relief

In line with our firm commitment to enable humanitarian access to areas under the protection of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), we welcome international initiatives to deliver relief. However, our policy dictates that humanitarian aid distribution must be coordinated collaboratively with either the opposing forces or the local authorities, in accordance with established wartime protocols.

In accordance with our legitimate right to self-defense, it is imperative that we prevent any misuse of humanitarian aid. This specifically entails prohibiting its use to supply arms and ammunition to the jihadist former regime, as such actions could advance their agendas and military objectives.

Regarding Minni Arko Minnawi's announcement of what he terms "an agreement on the delivery of humanitarian aid from Port Sudan through Al  Dabba Road (Northern State) to Darfur," we wish to clarify that we do not acknowledge any such agreement, and it does not concern us. Minnawi lacks the authority to negotiate agreements or accept aid on behalf of the Darfur people without proper authorization.

If Minnawi seeks to justify his actions based on the Juba Agreement, it is crucial to recognize that al-Burhan has effectively nullified it. Similarly, if he seeks to claim legitimacy from the de facto government, it is vital to recognize that our courageous forces have liberated all of Darfur from the clutches of the jihadist former regime and its supporters, who have left our country in ruins.

Our investigations have revealed ongoing efforts by the extremist former regime to smuggle arms into Darfur, specifically targeting El Fasher. These activities are designed to provoke tribal conflict and escalate ethnic tensions. Certain Darfur factions have also formed alliances with groups linked to the National Congress Party to continue their attacks on local communities using barrel bombs.

Minnawi must clarify how he is handling humanitarian aid supplies for the Darfur community. Our evidence suggests misappropriation for personal gain and his involvement in extortion schemes during the ongoing famine in Darfur. Additionally, we have documented instances of Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and his extremist brigades selling relief items in markets. We strongly encourage humanitarian agencies to deliver aid directly to those in need, and we assure the security and protection of this support in the areas under our protection.

We commit to collaborating with the UN and other humanitarian organizations to ensure effective aid distribution in the areas under our protection to alleviate the people's suffering. However, we will not tolerate exploitation under the guise of aid. We stress the importance of distinguishing between authentic humanitarian aid and the former regime’s efforts to camouflage military support under the pretext of relief operations amid the Sudanese national struggle against the opposing jihadist forces.

Our cooperation with the UN and humanitarian agencies will remain transparent and direct, aimed at preventing the misuse of humanitarian aid for military purposes, including arms smuggling.

Office of the Official Spokesperson
Rapid Support Forces