Renewed bombing in Tawila, RSF militia arrive in Kabkabiya, North Darfur

The residents of Tawila locality, popularly known as East Jebel Marra, and Kabkabiya town in North Darfur are living in great fear, as large groups of paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) settled in the neighbourhood. The Sudanese Air Force continues bombing the area between Tabit and Shangil Tobaya.

“Government jets started bombing the areas again near the villages of Dady, Khor Mali, Sabi, and Fanga at 1:15 pm on Tuesday,” a villager reported to Radio Dabanga from Dady.

“The bombs killed more than 40 cows, and ignited a number of fires, but we did not receive reports about fatalities among the villagers,” he said.

The source noted that the ongoing bombardments and the proliferation of troops of the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in the area are terrifying the people. “Many have fled their villages, and have become newly displaced.”

He urged the UN Security Council and the international community to intervene, stop the bombardments, and protect the people in the region.

On Friday, 19 December, the first contingent of RSF troops in more than 100 armoured vehicles arrived at Wadi Marra, south of Tabit. Their arrival was accompanied by air raids. The following days, more militia troops arrived in the area.

“The arrival of the militia forces has led to a mass displacement of people in the area,” a villager told Radio Dabanga a week ago. The residents of 11 villages fled towards Tabit, Shangil Tobaya, and Zamzam camp near El Fasher.

“Many people in Kabkabiya do not dare to leave their homes anymore to collect firewood and water.”

The residents of Kabkabiya, northeast of Tawila locality, are also living in terror since Sunday evening, when a large group of RSF militia troops in 25 armoured vehicles, loaded with heavy weapons, settled in the area of El Hara, east of the town.

A listener told Radio Dabanga from Kabkabiya that the roaming of the militiamen at the town market, and in the residential areas sparked great fear among the population. “Many do not dare to leave their homes anymore to collect firewood and water.”

On Thursday, a RSF militia contingent in more than 125 Land Cruisers arrived at Kutum town, north of Kabkabiya.