RSF claim ‘full control’ of Central Darfur after clashes

Sudan’s paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) on Friday claimed its forces have taken complete control of Central Darfur, where heavy clashes with the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) took place in the past few weeks in the state’s capital of Zalingei.

In a video posted on the official social media channels of the RSF, Maj Ali Yagoub accused the SAF’s 21st Division of “using the displaced as human shields” after they reportedly “withdrew their forces into the *camps for the displaced”.

Maj Yagoub stated this constitutes a “major crime” and vowed to “move from Zalingei to Khartoum” to defeat the armed forces, who he claims are controlled by the remnants of the former regime.

In the video, he also named the SAF’s high command, Lt Gen Shamseldin Kabbashi and Lt Gen Yasir El Atta, as the architects responsible for Sudan’s prolonged war.

The RSF commander also went on to state that contrary to the SAF’s statements, their forces did not sustain heavy casualties.

Given the current situation, it is not possible for Radio Dabanga to independently verify the RSF claims. Many posts on social media did report that the RSF is in control of Zalingei.

* Zalingei’s camps shelter many displaced belonging to ethnic groups that have been historically targeted by militant Arab tribesmen, of whom many joined the RSF.