In an interview with Sputnik Africa, Mini Arko Minawi, Governor of Sudan’s Darfur region, has condemned the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for its alleged role in supporting the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Sudan's ongoing conflict and called on the international community to hold the UAE accountable for its actions.
"Everybody knows that the Emirates are a member of the United Nations study. So the international community has to say, 'Please, Emirates, stop killing the people of Sudan. It is enough, stop,'" Minawi said.
He also accused the UAE of fueling atrocities in camps across Darfur, including Zamzam and El Fasher, and undermining Sudan's unity.
Russia Plays an Important Role in Sudan's Unity, Says Darfur Governor
At the same time, Minawi expressed gratitude to Russia for its recent veto of a UN Security Council resolution that he argued sought to divide Sudan.
"The resolution is aiming to destruct Sudan, aiming to divide Sudan... and that is why Russia stood [against the resolution], and we thank you for that," he said.
Minawi also emphasized Russia's role in supporting Sudan's unity and highlighted the mutual agenda between the two countries.
"[There are] many places and many positions that Russia could play very well for the benefit of the Sudan, for the unity of the Sudan. Like what happened in the last... the veto that was conducted by Russia in the Security Council," he said.
Darfur Governor: Sudan War a Battle for Unity Against Foreign Interference
Reflecting on Sudan's war, Minawi accused the RSF of initiating the conflict and defended the actions of the Sudan Armed Forces and allied groups. He underscored the war's broader aim of protecting Sudan's sovereignty against foreign interference.
"We entered for creating the unity of our movement and our internal public unity... to push out whatever elements that are going to destruct our country," Minawi said.
He also stressed the importance of political transformation and democracy after achieving unity.
Darfur Governor Urges Global Support for Peace and Accountability in Sudan
Minawi called on the international community to take a more active and principled role in resolving the Sudan conflict.
"[In] our experience for the past two years, the international community hasn't played its legitimate role. They never played that role. [...] They have to play a different role and respect human rights," he stated.
Finally, the governor highlighted the need for cooperation and mutual interests between Sudan and the global community.
"We are not on an isolated planet... We need people, and other people need us. And that is why we have to connect together to exchange our own needs openly," he concluded.