Darfur Armed Movements Form Joint Council to Protect Civilians and Facilitate Aid

In a significant development, four armed movements in Darfur, Sudan, have formed a joint presidential council to establish a neutral military force aimed at protecting civilians and facilitating the delivery of humanitarian aid. The movements involved are the Sudan Liberation Movement Transitional Council, Sudan Liberation Forces Gathering, Justice and Equality Council, and Sudanese Alliance.

The formation of a joint presidential council and neutral military force in Darfur has significant implications for the region's humanitarian crisis and global efforts to protect civilians in conflict zones. If successful, this initiative could pave the way for increased humanitarian aid and reduced violence, leading to saving lives and alleviating suffering.

The newly formed joint force aims to prevent tribal wars and ensure the safe delivery of humanitarian aid to the five states of Darfur. The Presidential Council, which consists of horizontal leadership, includes the heads of the four organizations: Hadi Idris, Al Taher Hajar, Hafez Abdel Nabi, and Suleiman Sandal.

Nimr Abdel Rahman, Chairman of the Sudan Liberation Movement Transitional Council, emphasized the importance of the initiative, stating, "There will be a large military force on the ground that can be used to help humanitarian organizations enter the Darfur region, protect civilians, and prevent the outbreak of any tribal war in the region."

The joint force will be formed in the coming days, with a military command structure to be established on the ground. The force will also focus on raising awareness among citizens about security issues and securing the next agricultural season. The Presidential Council aims to attract humanitarian support for civilians in Darfur and introduce the regional and international community to the role of the neutral force.

The humanitarian situation in El Fasher, North Darfur, remains dire. Civilians are caught in ongoing conflict, with the only hospital in the city overwhelmed with wounded citizens. Humanitarian organizations, including the World Food Program and Doctors Without Borders, have withdrawn from the city. Over 20,000 families have fled El Fasher, with many living with host families or in shelter centers.

Nimr Abdel Rahman has appealed to the warring parties to open safe passages for civilians wishing to escape the conflict. He also called on the international and regional community to put pressure on the parties to stop violations against civilians in El Fasher.

The Transitional Council movement had previously presented proposals to address the situation in El Fasher, including removing the army and Rapid Support Forces from the city and allowing neutral movements to maintain security and facilitate aid delivery. Another proposal called for opening safe corridors to allow civilians trapped in conflict zones to exit safely.

The conflict in Sudan has led to a humanitarian catastrophe, with millions displaced and thousands of deaths reported. The formation of the joint presidential council and neutral military force is a critical step towards addressing the dire situation in Darfur and ensuring the protection of civilians.

Key Takeaways

• Four armed movements in Darfur form joint presidential council to protect civilians and facilitate aid delivery.
• Newly formed neutral military force aims to prevent tribal wars and ensure safe aid delivery in Darfur.
• Force will focus on raising awareness about security issues and securing the next agricultural season.
• Humanitarian situation in El Fasher remains dire, with civilians caught in conflict and aid organizations withdrawn.
• Joint council appeals to warring parties to open safe passages for civilians and calls for international pressure to stop violations.