Armed movements in Darfur adopt a position of neutrality in the conflict
Since the start of the war in Darfur on April 15, the various armed movements present in the region have chosen to remain neutral. They refuse to take part in clashes between government forces and armed rebel groups. According to them, this war is described as “absurd” and they believe that the regular army failed to protect civilians from the abuses committed by the Rapid Support Forces.
In addition, the armed movements criticize the army for having delayed in setting up the civil protection force provided for in the Juba peace agreement and which was to number 20,000 men. This situation led Minni Minnaoui, leader of the Sudan Liberation Movement and current governor of Darfur, to propose the creation of a joint force in partnership with the Justice and Equality movement and the Sudan Liberation Movement – the Transitional Council. The objective of this force is to protect Darfur as well as humanitarian and medical aid convoys.
However, not all armed movements in Darfur have adopted this neutrality. The Northern Sudan Liberation Movement, Mostapha Tambour faction, refuses for the moment to align itself with this position. He recently took part in fighting alongside the regular army against rebel forces. Also note that another movement, the Popular Movement for the Liberation of Sudan-North, led by Abdelaziz el-Helou, is engaged in clashes against the army in South Kordofan. This movement did not sign the Juba peace agreement.
Thus, despite the majority of armed movements in Darfur having adopted this position of neutrality, some remain engaged in fighting, which reflects the complexity of the situation in the region. It is essential to find a peaceful solution to end this conflict and protect the civilian population suffering the consequences of this war. Diplomatic efforts and peace initiatives must therefore be supported to achieve a lasting resolution to the conflict in Darfur.