Port Sudan – (SUNA – Al-Yurae) – Darfur governor Minni Arko Minawi, described as a “controversial” politician, said on his Facebook page today:
“I, like many others, have followed the U.S. Treasury’s decision imposing sanctions on Dr. Gibril Ibrahim, accusing him of fueling the war. Here, I must say the following:
What we all know is that Dr. Gibril has always struggled tirelessly, using every possible means to prevent this war from breaking out. He observed from a distance, without intervening, for nine months, remaining neutral while calling on the parties to return to dialogue. He only took a step into this battle after we were all forced by the conduct of the Rapid Support Forces, which had risen to the level of war crimes and genocide. We were left with no choice: either to fight as the only means of survival, or face eternal servitude and submission to ethnic cleansing — both of which are bitter options.”
Minawi added that Gibril’s forces, like other units of the joint force made up of the children of victims of previous Janjaweed wars, “advanced along with others to defend lives first, and then to safeguard the unity of the country and preserve its sovereignty. For this reason, it is incumbent on the U.S. administration to review its position and verify information, away from rumors emanating from sources rooted in political rivalries and hostility from adversaries.”
Minawi, who currently serves as governor of Darfur, is considered one of Sudan’s most controversial politicians due to his political statements. He had previously signed a peace agreement with the former regime before later announcing the end of that partnership and returning to the opposition.
