The Governor of the Darfur Region, Minni Arko Minawi, has called on the International Committee of the Red Cross to intensify its efforts to access prisons and all detainees held by what he described as the “rebel militia,” as well as those who have been forcibly disappeared. He also urged increased efforts to provide medical support to war-wounded individuals.
On Monday in Geneva, Minawi held a meeting with the President of the International Committee of the Red Cross, Mirjana Spoljaric, during which they discussed militia violations against civilians and the resulting humanitarian conditions, particularly in the Darfur region. They also explored ways to strengthen joint cooperation to respond to the crisis.
The Governor provided a comprehensive briefing on the humanitarian situation, noting that Sudan is facing the largest displacement crisis in the world due to systematic forced displacement carried out by the militia as part of demographic change and population replacement, particularly in Darfur.
Minawi highlighted the situation in El Fasher in particular, describing it as extremely dangerous following the militia’s control of the city. This has led to the obstruction of humanitarian aid, severe shortages of food, medicine, and water, and a complete collapse of health services.
For her part, Mirjana Spoljaric affirmed the Committee’s continued efforts to enhance humanitarian access and deliver aid despite field challenges, stressing the importance of ensuring respect for international humanitarian law.
The Governor of Darfur expressed his appreciation for the Committee’s humanitarian role under complex circumstances, while both sides emphasized the importance of continued coordination and cooperation to improve the humanitarian response in Sudan, particularly in the Darfur region.
