Aliyu: I Resigned in Opposition to War, and Minawi Accepted It Unwillingly

Cairo – Sudanhorizon – Sabah Moussa

Dr. Mohamed Issa Aliyu, the former Deputy Governor of Darfur Region, explained that his resignation stemmed from his opposition to wars in Sudan. He noted that he had been working with armed movements that had engaged in wars worldwide since 2002.

In an exclusive statement on Wednesday, Aliyu said that despite his opposition to the previous regime, he also opposed using war as a means to address national issues. He added that he had spoken extensively about the futility and lack of benefit of war, and believed it was necessary to sign an agreement with the government and continue the struggle through civil resistance.

He continued, “When we sensed that war was imminent between the army and the Rapid Support Forces, we exerted tremendous efforts to prevent it. We met with the Chairman of the Sovereign Council, Lieutenant General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, until the early hours of the conflict, in an attempt to avert its outbreak.”

Aliyu explained that he submitted his resignation after sensing that the armed movements were moving towards siding with the army. He clarified that he submitted his resignation to the governor of Darfur, Minni Arko Minawi, at the beginning of September. However, Minawi responded that he would leave the matter for consultations. Aliyu added that he offered his resignation to Minawi again, and then submitted it a third time in September 2025, in what he described as a very forceful manner. He indicated that Minawi asked him to wait ten days before reconsidering the matter. Aliyu noted that Minawi’s insistence on not accepting his resignation stemmed from his appreciation of Aliyu’s character and dedication to managing the region, as well as his previous experience in this field. He said that a few days prior, he had sent Minawi a written letter requesting that his resignation be accepted. Minawi responded with a long and very moving letter, praising Aliyu’s performance, before announcing at the end, according to Aliyu, that he accepted the resignation, stating explicitly that Minawi accepted it reluctantly”

The former deputy governor of Darfur stressed that his resignation from his position in the administration of the region does not mean that he is moving towards the Rapid Support Forces, stressing that the only reason behind his resignation is his position rejecting the war and its continuation, saying, “I am against the war and against its continuation.”

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