El Fasher, October 27 (Darfur24)
The head of the Sudan Liberation Movement, Minni Arko Minawi, said that the fall of El Fasher “does not mean giving up Darfur’s future to violent groups or to corrupt and mercenary interests.”
Minawi made the remarks in a post on the social media platform X on Sunday, calling for the protection of civilians, the disclosure of the fate of displaced persons, and an independent investigation into what he described as “violations and massacres committed by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) behind closed doors.”
His statement came a day after the RSF announced its control of El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur State, following nearly a year and a half of fierce fighting with the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and allied armed movements.
Minawi’s movement, which signed the Juba Peace Agreement in 2020, is part of the Joint Force fighting alongside the Sudanese army.
Meanwhile, the Joint Force of Armed Movements confirmed on Monday the death of its official spokesman, Colonel Ahmed Hussein Mustafa, known as “Adroub,” during the ongoing fighting in El Fasher.
In a statement seen by Darfur24, the Joint Force described Colonel Mustafa as “a disciplined and courageous officer who embodied honesty and professionalism in the field.”
On Sunday, the RSF declared full control over the headquarters of the 6th Infantry Division in El Fasher after heavy battles with the Sudanese army and allied forces, following a siege that lasted for more than a year and a half.
Fighting was reported to have continued on Monday morning in areas surrounding El Fasher, following the withdrawal of some military units, according to RSF-linked social media accounts.