Large RSF militia force arrives at Kutum, North Darfur

The arrival of a large force of paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) to Kutum town in North Darfur on Thursday has sparked great fear and panic among the population of the town and the neighbouring villages. On the same day, a baker was critically injured in an attack by militiamen in Tawila.

“A RSF militia contingent in more than 125 Land Cruisers arrived at Kutum on Thursday afternoon. They then moved to the area of Damra El Guba, a village nearby,” a resident of the town told Radio Dabanga.

“Many people in Kutum and the surrounding villages panicked, as we all know what their presence may bring about.”

He added that he understood that the militia force, commanded by the National Intelligence and Security Service (NISS), will proceed to the area of Ein Siro.

Rifle butts

“Five militiamen in a Land Cruiser stormed a bakery in Tawila town, North Darfur, on Thursday evening. They started to beat Elshafee Adam Mohamedein, who was working there, with their rifle butts,” a relative of the victim informed Radio Dabanga.   

“They almost cracked his skull. Fortunately, we were able to transfer him to Khartoum for treatment.”

He added that the attackers fled towards Um Jilbakh, 15 km east of Tawila. “The commander of the nearby military base has given the sheikh of Um Jilbakh a deadline of two days to extradite the perpetrators.”