RSF-SAF clashes rage across Sudan, countless dead and injured in wake

Violent clashes between Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and Rapid Support Forces (RSF) entered the twentieth day in South Darfur’s capital of Nyala yesterday, resulting in dozens of deaths and injuries among civilians. Khartoum also witnessed a continuation of battles between the SAF and the RSF on Wednesday. Three people were killed and four were injured in renewed clashes in El Obeid, North Kordofan, on the same day.

Witnesses to the violence in Nyala informed Radio Dabanga that “the army bombed targets towards the El Sikka Hadid neighbourhood, resulting in dozens of deaths and injuries”.

On Monday, a joint force from Darfur rebel movements arrived in the city to participate in securing the city and protecting the markets. The joint rebel force is to remain neutral between the two warring parties.

Nyala is witnessing a complete blackout of communications and the Internet, except for MTN’s text messaging service.

Last week, more than 40 people were killed in one day. “The victims sought refuge under the bridge connecting the Teiba and El Sikka Hadid neighbourhoods, while others died inside their homes,” one of the sources said.

In a statement on Tuesday, the RSF said that the SAF indiscriminately shelled the eastern neighbourhoods of Nyala, including Teiba and El Sikka Hadid, with heavy artillery, “claiming the lives of 42 people and injuring dozens”. The paramilitary force evacuated several wounded to healthcare facilities, including the RSF field hospital in Nyala.

El Obeid

Radio Dabanga sources reported that clashes between the army and the RSF resumed in the western part of El Obeid, capital of North Kordofan, resulting in the deaths of two people and more injuries among the population.

Sources noted that the clashes continued Wednesday, as both sides used a mixture of heavy and light weapons.

Furthermore, they pointed out that displacement operations continue in areas witnessing clashes between the SAF and the RSF in the city’s southern and western areas. The number of shelter centres increased from 18 to 37.

Omdurman

The Ombadda El Sabeel neighbourhood gathering in Omdurman accused the RSF of killing a child and wounding his grandmother with a gunshot on Tuesday afternoon.

People in El Omda in old Omdurman reported that the RSF stormed all houses in the neighbourhood and plundered them. Two RSF members were killed by army bullets on Tuesday.