Zurich: A political seminar held in Zurich, Switzerland's largest city, brought together Sudanese organizations alongside Swiss political and parliamentary figures, as part of a visit by Governor of Darfur Region Minni Arko Minnawi to Switzerland.
According to Sudan News Agency, Swiss MP Fabian Molina from the Social Democratic Party opened the seminar by welcoming Minnawi and attendees, affirming Switzerland's support for peace in Sudan. He highlighted Sudan as a major global gold producer and expressed concerns over Sudanese gold reaching Switzerland through indirect routes after being laundered in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Molina stressed the importance of supporting peace in Sudan.
Andrea Widmer, head of the Sudan House for Humanitarian Projects, delivered a strongly rights-focused address, accusing the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) of committing grave abuses. She recounted personal experiences of violence in Sudan and visits to displacement camps, calling for the RSF to be designated as a terrorist organization. Widmer criticized the UAE for its support of the RSF and commended the Sudanese Armed Forces for their role.
Libyan human rights activist Khalid Salih and Faisal Al-Qaifi, head of the Yemeni Association in Switzerland, also voiced their condemnation of the RSF and called for international support for peace in Sudan. Swiss figures, including Felix Wust and Rafael Cavallero, reaffirmed their commitment to peace in line with United Nations principles.
In his closing remarks, Minnawi reviewed the history of peace demands in Sudan, criticizing the rebranding of the Janjaweed as the Rapid Support Forces and condemning attempts by some countries to divide Sudan under the guise of peace. He emphasized the movement's pursuit of peace within a unified Sudan and expressed solidarity with the Sudanese army, government, and embassy. Minnawi concluded by addressing questions from the audience.