Zurich, March 29, 2026 (SUNA) – 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.Swiss MP: Sudan a Major Gold ProducerFabian Molina, a Swiss MP from the Social Democratic Party, opened the seminar by welcoming Minnawi and attendees, affirming Switzerland’s support for peace in Sudan.He noted that Sudan is among the world’s major gold producers, while Switzerland is a leading global hub for gold trade, handling more than one-third of global transactions. He revealed that some Sudanese gold reaches Switzerland through “indirect routes” after being laundered in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), expressing concern over such practices. He concluded by stressing the importance of supporting peace and thanking the organizers and participants.“Sudan House” Head: RSF Committed Atrocities, Must Be Designated Terrorist OrganizationAndrea Widmer, head of the Sudan House for Humanitarian Projects, spoke ahead of Minnawi in recognition of her role. In a strongly rights-focused address, she outlined the nature of the conflict in Sudan and widespread violations.Widmer accused the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) of committing grave abuses and recounted a personal account of hearing children from her family in Sudan screaming during a militia raid on their home. She also described visits to displacement camps in Uganda, where she met women subjected to rape and violence. She labeled the RSF a “terrorist militia,” calling on the international community to designate it as a terrorist organization, and criticized the United Arab Emirates for its support to the RSF militia.She also commended the Sudanese Armed Forces for fulfilling their duty toward the people and presented a summary of her organization’s programs supporting orphans before concluding with thanks to Minnawi and the organizers.Arab Speakers: Condemnation of RSF, Criticism of Haftar’s RoleLibyan human rights activist Khalid Salih, former head of the National Human Rights Organization in Libya, expressed solidarity with the Sudanese people and accused General Khalifa Haftar of playing a role in supporting the RSF militia.Faisal Al-Qaifi, head of the Yemeni Association in Switzerland, also voiced solidarity with Sudanese citizens and called for the establishment of an international civil society coalition to support peace in Sudan.Swiss Figures Reaffirm Support for PeaceParticipants also included Felix Wust, mayor, economic adviser, and political activist, and Rafael Cavallero, former municipal council member, both of whom expressed solidarity with the Sudanese people.Ur Miller, a former cantonal parliament member and member of Lions Clubs International, affirmed their commitment to peace in Sudan and globally, in line with United Nations principles.Minnawi: Peace Within a Unified SudanIn his closing remarks, Minnawi thanked attendees and reviewed the background of peace demands since 2001, noting that the initial demand was the disarmament of the Janjaweed. He said the failure to address this demand led to the expansion of the movement’s objectives after it took up arms.He explained that the Janjaweed were later rebranded as Border Guards following the Abéché and Abuja negotiations, and subsequently as the Rapid Support Forces after the Doha talks, in what he described as an effort to avoid dismantling the militia.Minnawi affirmed that his movement seeks peace, but within the framework of a unified Sudan, with one army and one government. He criticized what he described as attempts by some countries to divide Sudan under the pretext of peace, calling it “poison disguised as remedy,” and directly criticized the role of the United Arab Emirates, as well as some neighboring states.In a message directed to Sudan’s mission in Geneva, Minnawi said that, for the first time in four decades, Sudanese people stand united with the army, the government, and the embassy, after diplomatic missions had long been isolated from the public. He concluded by answering questions from the audience.BH/BH