Darfur Joint Protection Force

The Darfur Joint Protection Force, or more simply the Joint Darfur Force/Joint Force, is a neutral peacekeeping force that was set up during the Battle of El Fasher to protect civilians during the War in Sudan (2023).[1][2] It was formed on 27 April 2023 by four former rebel groups and signatures of the Juba peace agreement. The participating groups are SLM-Minawi, the Justice and Equality Movement, the Sudanese Alliance, and the Gathering of Sudan Liberation Forces.[3] It is currently lead Darfur Region Governor Minni Minawi.[1]

Darfur Joint Protection Force
LeaderMinni Minnawi
Foundation27 April 2023
CountrySudan
MotivesPeacekeeping
Active regionsDarfur
AlliesNone
OpponentsRapid Support Forces
Battles and warsWar in Sudan (2023)

The Joint Force has been criticised for its incompetence in ensuring the safety of civilians across Darfur. According to Major Ahmed Hussein Mustafa, the head of the media committee for the joint force, the force's limited capabilities and logistical support have prevented it from deploying forces across Darfur.[4] The force has also been accused of not showing up on time after residents had been killed[5] or not even showing up at all.[4]

As of 29 August, the Joint Force controls the roads linking North and West Kordofan with Darfur.[6]

History

On 8 May 2023, Minni Minawi ordered the joint force to withdraw from northern Omdurman and relocate to North Darfur after felling to mediate a peace between the army and the Rapid Support Force (RSF).[7][8]

On 23 May 2023, the RSF ambushed a convoy of the Joint Force in West Darfur, killing four.[9]

On 28 May 2023, Minawi called on people in Darfur to take up arms for self-defence.[10]

On 27 August, military reinforcements belonging to the Joint Force arrived in Nyala to deliver aid to civilians amid clashes between the army and the RSF.[6] The Sudanese Communist Party decried the arrival of the Joint Force, claiming they only showed up after the carnage happened.[5] At the same time Minawi left El Fasher to meet with federal government officials, humanitarian organisations, and political forces in Port Sudan “to discuss with officials and donors the catastrophic humanitarian situation in the region and in Sudan, how humanitarian aid can reach the displaced, and ways to get out of this crisis."[6]

In later September rumours circulated that the RSF would attack a joint force convoy of lorries carrying humanitarian aid to El Fasher from Port Sudan. Allegedly, the convoy contained not only humanitarian aid but also military equipment for the Sixth Infantry Division in El Fasher. The RSF had moved some of its force to the city's entrance, so it was feared that they would attack the convoy.[11]

References
  1. Lisa (2023-09-29). "Reports about RSF expanding combat scope in Darfur". Dabanga Radio TV Online. Retrieved 2023-09-30.
  2. Camille (2023-05-23). "Heavy gunfire in North Darfur capital". Dabanga Radio TV Online. Retrieved 2023-09-30.
  3. SudanTribune (2023-09-10). "Minnawi warns against plans to attack Darfur joint force". Sudan Tribune. Retrieved 2023-09-30.
  4. SudanTribune (2023-08-20). "Challenges mount for Darfur Joint Force after failure to protect civilians". Sudan Tribune. Retrieved 2023-09-30.
  5. Lisa (2023-08-30). "Sudan war: Outcry over South Darfur Nyala 'massacre'". Dabanga Radio TV Online. Retrieved 2023-09-30.
  6. Sarah (2023-08-29). "Rebel forces arrive in South Darfur to protect people trapped in Nyala". Dabanga Radio TV Online. Retrieved 2023-09-30.
  7. Kazemi, Elham; Serwat, Ladd (2023-04-28). "Fact Sheet: Conflict Surges in Sudan". ACLED. Retrieved 2023-09-30.
  8. SudanTribune (2023-05-09). "Minnawi withdraws troops from Khartoum to North Darfur". Sudan Tribune. Retrieved 2023-09-30.
  9. SudanTribune (2023-05-24). "Rapid Support Forces ambush peace groups in West Darfur". Sudan Tribune. Retrieved 2023-09-30.
  10. Nashed, Mat. "Sudan war: What does Minnawi's call to arms mean for Darfur?". www.aljazeera.com. Retrieved 2023-09-30.
  11. "Sudan: Reports About RSF Expanding Combat Scope in Darfur". Dabanga. 2023-09-29. Retrieved 2023-10-01.
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