The Governor of Darfur region, Mr Mini Arko Minawi, has expressed optimism that the Sudanese government is making significant headway in reclaiming territory from the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), signalling a potential turning point in the country’s devastating conflict.
Speaking during a meeting with Sudanese nationals residing in Uganda, Mr Minawi stated that the government forces are actively working to restore security and reclaim land seized by the paramilitary group.
‘The war will end because the government is doing its best to protect the people and their land. Right now, the government is winning the war and winning the ground and stepping forward,’ Mr Minawi said.
Sudan has been plunged into severe instability since April 2023, following a fierce power struggle between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the RSF. The fighting has since expanded across large swathes of the country, severely impacting the Darfur region-an area previously scarred by the early 2000s conflict under former President Omar al-Bashir that left over 300,000 people dead and millions displaced.
Mr Minawi explained that his visit to Kampala aimed to offer reassurance to the diaspora community and urge refugees to maintain discipline and adhere strictly to Ugandan laws.
‘We came to talk to our people and let them know that as refugees they have to adhere to the laws of Uganda. As Africans, I came to send greetings, bring hope and tell them to appreciate Uganda and not engage in any crimes,’ he stated.
He further cautioned that the destabilisation of Sudan poses a broader regional threat, urging African heads of state to take a collective role in bringing the violence to an end.
‘It is a problem to every African country, and we have to sit down and see how we can solve it,’ Mr Minawi noted, describing the war as a continental disaster.
The governor expressed gratitude to President Yoweri Museveni and the Ugandan government for maintaining an open-door policy for fleeing Sudanese families and students, providing them with safety and educational opportunities during the crisis.
‘Uganda remains open for us, the people of Sudan, and that is why this community is here, especially our students. We are especially grateful for the opportunity you have given our students to study in Uganda,’ Mr Minawi said.
He urged community leaders to guide the youth and ensure Sudanese nationals contribute constructively to their host country while holding onto hope for a peaceful return home.
‘Our Sudanese community in Uganda, I encourage you to remain steadfast in your contribution to both the host country and our homeland. I urge you to live in harmony with the host community, respect the laws of Uganda,’ he added, praising President Museveni’s Pan-African leadership.