Darfur Governor Warns of Sudan War Getting Out Control

The governor of the Darfur region, Minni Arko Minnawi (Asharq Al-Awsat)
The governor of the Darfur region, Minni Arko Minnawi (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Darfur Governor Warns of Sudan War Getting Out Control

The governor of the Darfur region, Minni Arko Minnawi (Asharq Al-Awsat)
The governor of the Darfur region, Minni Arko Minnawi (Asharq Al-Awsat)

The governor of the Darfur region, Minni Arko Minnawi, said the war between the Sudanese Army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) was the “largest explosion” in the country’s history, warning of the possibility of the situation getting out of the control of the two sides.

During a press conference in Addis Ababa, Minnawi stressed that he maintained contact with both the Army and the RSF, pointing to his phone call with RSF Commander Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (Hemedti) on Tuesday.

The head of the Darfur Regional Government expressed fears about the future of the conflict, saying: “We do not know whether Sudan will remain one country, or whether it will be divided into states, emirates, or cantons.”

He continued: “We are all seeking to reach a single future for Sudan, because the conflict can slide in directions that may get out the control of the warring parties.”

Minnawi urged the civil political parties and figures with influence to unify ranks for the sake of the country’s unity and sovereignty.

He also called for an inclusive national dialogue to establish permanent solutions to the country’s problems.

Describing the situation in the Darfur region as “dire,” the governor said: “There is no state. The four regions are in the grip of the Rapid Support Forces, and the army is absent, which made the camps for the displaced safer than the cities.”

He added: “There are about four million displaced people, and the capital, El Fasher, has turned into a large displacement camp.”

Minnawi held the RSF primarily responsible for the violations committed during the war, but stressed that the army was also blamed for bombing with artillery and planes.

He confirmed that the authorities were avoiding a clash in Darfur, and calling on both sides to implement a ceasefire. But he warned: “If citizens are attacked, we will not remain neutral, and we hope such attacks will not occur.”



Egypt Seeks to Deepen Ties with African Nations to Counter Common Challenges

18 September 2024, Egypt, Cairo: Egypt's Foreign Minister Dr. Badr Abdelatty speaks during a press conference at Tahrir Palace. (dpa)
18 September 2024, Egypt, Cairo: Egypt's Foreign Minister Dr. Badr Abdelatty speaks during a press conference at Tahrir Palace. (dpa)
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Egypt Seeks to Deepen Ties with African Nations to Counter Common Challenges

18 September 2024, Egypt, Cairo: Egypt's Foreign Minister Dr. Badr Abdelatty speaks during a press conference at Tahrir Palace. (dpa)
18 September 2024, Egypt, Cairo: Egypt's Foreign Minister Dr. Badr Abdelatty speaks during a press conference at Tahrir Palace. (dpa)

Egypt held a series of contacts and consultations with African officials to boost its relations throughout the continent.

Foreign Minister Dr. Badr Abdelatty held telephone talks on Friday with his counterparts from Kenya, Congo Brazzaville and Guinea Bissau to discuss regional and international developments.

Experts said the contacts aim at “deepening Egypt’s presence in Africa.”

An Egyptian Foreign Ministry spokesman said the talks tackled bilateral ties and means to strengthen them.

They discussed cooperation in various fields, including development, the economy, trade and investment.

The discussions underlined the importance of supporting development in Africa and achieving economic integration between its countries.

They stressed the need to intensify consultations and coordination to confront common economic, development and security challenges.

Abdelatty said Cairo was ready to support Congo Brazzaville through offering technical assistance and helping inaugurate sustainable development projects.

Former assistant minister of foreign affairs Ambassador Salah Halima noted that Egypt has intensified its talks with African countries in recent months.

He told Asharq Al-Awsat that the contacts aim to deepen its bilateral relations with African nations and to consult over pressing issues facing the Horn of Africa, Red Sea, central Africa and Sahel regions.

Former member of the Council for Foreign Affairs Ali al-Hafny told Asharq Al-Awsat that Egypt’s ties with Africa are now stronger than ever, noting the series of contacts and President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi's visits to various African countries.

Abdelatty had last month visited Gabon and Chad. Talks with officials focused on joint coordination over regional issues of common concern.

Al-Hafny said combating terrorism, resolving conflicts and supporting bilateral relations in the fields of infrastructure, energy, agriculture, and food and water security are top concerns in Africa.