Minawi Announces Formation of the “Armed Popular Resistance” in Darfur Region

The Governor of Darfur Region, Minni Arko Minnawi, has issued a decision establishing the Armed Popular Resistance in Darfur, appointing Lt. Gen. (Police) Issa Adam Ismail as its commander. The new body includes senior security, military, and community leaders representing various segments of Darfur society.

The announcement comes amid an exceptional security situation following widespread violations committed by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) militia against unarmed civilians across the Darfur states, prompting the regional government to declare full mobilization and a state of general alert.

Minnawi directed the relevant authorities to immediately implement the decision, including the opening of training camps and the reception of all able-bodied residents of Darfur willing to bear arms, in preparation for what he described as a new phase to liberate the region’s cities from RSF control.

According to the decision, the new formation seeks to unify popular and military efforts under a single command and to strengthen the region’s defensive capabilities in the face of ongoing RSF expansion and abuses. It also aims to regulate training and armament activities within an official framework under the supervision of the regional government.

The development is expected to play a significant role in reshaping the security and political landscape in Darfur in the coming period.