Eight former rebel factions in Darfur have united in announcing a joint plan to reclaim control of cities in the region currently held by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) paramilitary group. Over recent months, the RSF has taken over four state capitals: Nyala in South Darfur, Geneina in West Darfur, Daein in East Darfur, and Zalingei in Central Darfur. Only El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur, remains under the control of the Sudanese army.
The three-day conference, convened in the Barkal area of North Darfur, brought together signatories to the Juba Peace Agreement, including the Sudan Liberation Movement (SLM) led by Minni Minawi, the Justice and Equality Movement (JEM) led by Gibril Ibrahim, the Gathering of Sudan Liberation Forces (GSLF) led by Abdallah Yahiya, the Sudanese Alliance led by Al-Bukhari Ahmed, SLM of Mustafa Tambour, JEM of Bakhit Dabajo, SLM-Transitional Council of Mustafa Rassas, and the SLM-Leadership Council. Additionally, the Sudanese Popular Body for Supporting the Armed Forces and Building Sudan and the Darfur Region Popular Support and Resistance Body participated.
According to a joint statement, the conference yielded “a strategic plan with humanitarian, social, political, military, and security aspects.” The aim is to recapture cities under militia control, enhance civilian protection, and maintain the unity of Sudan’s territory and people. The statement underscored the groups’ commitment to cooperating with the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), the national army, and other legitimate state institutions “to prevent the collapse of Sudan.”
Moreover, the groups pledged to engage with international actors, including embassies, diplomatic missions, human rights organizations, and humanitarian groups, to raise awareness about the realities of the war, address misconceptions, and expose RSF’s alleged crimes. The statement denounced countries supporting the RSF, specifically citing the United Arab Emirates and the Chadian government, and criticized “agents”—foreign countries and Sudanese political forces—accused of seeking to divide the nation and bolster the RSF’s image despite its alleged crimes.
The conference also emphasized the need to document RSF crimes and violations to ensure that perpetrators face fair trials, upholding the principle of accountability. Notably, the SLM-Transitional Council led by Hadi Idris and the GSLF led by Tahir Hajer have refused to join the army and instead advocate for neutrality. The holdout faction of the Sudan Liberation Movement led by Abdel Wahid al-Nur also maintains its position of neutrality in the ongoing conflict.
