Sudan: At least 1000 people have been killed, several others injured and thousands displaced in Darfur region as the armed conflict between RSF and SAF continues.

(21 June, 2023) African Center for Justice and Peace Studies (ACJPS) has continued to monitor the situation in several states across Sudan particularly Darfur region. The total number of people killed since the outbreak of the armed conflict in Darfur region is approximately 1000, several others have been injured without access to medical attention and thousands displaced to the neighboring Chad and fairly safe areas within Sudan. ACJPS reiterates its calls to RSF and SAF to honour ceasefire pacts and respect citizens’ rights to life and property. This report covers the period of 15^th April to 20^th June 2023.

Status of the conflict in Darfur region

There have been initiatives by local authorities/committees (LCFI) to control the armed conflict between the Sudanese Army Forces (SAF) and Rapid Support Forces (RSF) that erupted on 15^th April, 2023. LCFI was first established in East Darfur State by the Native Administration on 20^th April, 2023 and it was later adopted in ElFashir, North Darfur. The establishment of this committee was started by Mr. Nimir Abdul Rahman, the Governor of North Darfur State. The mandate of the committee was to initiate and mediate ceasefire pacts between the two conflicting parties and prevent the occurrence of serious violations. On 29^th April, 2023 the committee also engaged the joint forces created by the Sudan Peace Agreement, 2020 to secure some areas like local markets. In Central Darfur State, the Native Administration intervened through its local initiatives and convinced the parties to enter into a ceasefire pact on 18^th May, 2023 but unfortunately the parties violated the deal.  The situation was not different in South Darfur State where the Native Administration comprising of former SAF fighters, members of the Sudanese Bar Association and Businessmen association fronted the ceasefire agreement on 27^th April, 2023 but the parties did not honour the said agreement. The situation in Central and South Darfur States deteriorated as a result of a resolution passed by Gen. Abdul Fatah Al-Burhan (the SAF high command) on 14^th May, 2023 cancelling the payment of RSF salaries.

In West Darfur State, the situation was calm after SAF took control of its base and RSF took control of the airport and the joint Sudanese-Chadian military base on 15^th April 2023 until 24^th April, 2023 a day before the launch of a countrywide ceasefire agreement, a collective effort of approximately 78 Native Administration leaders across all States in Sudan. Unfortunately, on 25^th April, 2023 the situation made a turn for the worst when tensions between SAF and RSF escalated. Another factor that fuelled the situation was the access of arms from regular forces stores by civilians. This led the armed Arab group to join RSF while the Masalite and other non-Arab groups including the IDPs in the camps in Elgenina fought against the RSF and Arabs. SAF on the other hand withdrawn from Elgenina and returned to their base.

In most states except East Darfur, armed Arabs have supported RSF. Some RSF soldiers have engaged in wide looting of public and private properties which has resulted into the total collapse to medical facilities in Elgenina and Zalingi cities. Fortunately, some hospitals are partially operating in South, North and East Darfur with a serious shortage of medical supplies and personnel. More than 1000 people have been killed and several others injured without access to medical services.

Although, SAF is present in their bases in all four states of Darfur, there are several armed Arabs supporting RSF around the main towns engaging in looting of property. SAF reacted by recruiting ex-fighters and rebels in North Darfur in addition to former Border Guard members who were under the command of Musa Hilal in North and South Darfur.

Not only was the situation between SAF and RSF tense, there was shortage of water and electricity services, communication services were on and off and totally off in Central and West Darfur since 17^th May, 2023. All these factors are only preparing Darfur for war. This can be seen through the formation of ethnic affiliations, widespread looting and acquisition of weapons in West Darfur. One incident happened in April 2023 when non-Arab civilian tribes accessed weapon stores belonging to regular forces. It is worth noting that the situation in Darfur was already tense prior to the outbreak of armed conflict on 15^th April 2023. ACJPS documented several incidents of insecurity in Darfur that resulted into the killing of 64 people, incidents of air bombardments of residential houses including the house belonging to Dr. Alhadi Idris the chairperson SPLA/TC in Khartoum by SAF aircrafts on 8^th June, 2023. SPLA/TC is a signatory of the Sudan Peace Agreement, 2020 and Dr. Alhadi is also member of Sudanese Sovereign Council.

On 14^th June, 2023 Gen. Khamis Abubakar, the Governor of West Darfur was killed. Mr. Khamis was the chairperson of Sudanese Alliance and he was appointed based on the Sudan Peace Agreement, 2020. Sudanese Alliance issued a Statement accusing armed Arab militias in Elgenina, West Darfur and members of the past regime to be responsible for all violations in Darfur. However, a reliable source informed ACJPS that Mr. Khamis was killed by an armed Arab group after they discovered his hiding place. Mr. Khamis previously sustained injuries during an attack and he had recovered before he met his death.

West Darfur State

The alliance between RSF and armed Arab militias escalated the armed conflict in Elgenina. The conflict that occurred on 27^th April, 2023 resulted into the death of 67 people and injuring 57 others in the neighbourhoods of Altdamon and Althura and 11 missing people whose bodies were later discovered in the valley. The number of Arab victims was not disclosed. The Police commissioner was killed inside his home by unknown assailants. There were also incidents of looting at Elgenina main market by RSF and Arab militias for five days right after looting residences occupied by non-Arab middle-class in Elgenina.

On 1^st May, 2023, the Masalite and Arab tribes made a truce and agreed to end conflict through the efforts of the community leaders. Unfortunately, shortly after the truce was made, there was another attack by RSF and Arab militias targeting residential areas including the residence of the Sultan (head) of Masalite tribe, Mr. Saad Bahar Eldien. Fortunately, Mr. Saad was not at home however, the raiders killed two of his guards and looted property including 8 vehicles and gold. They also arrested Mr. Assad Bahar Eldien, the brother to Mr. Saad and he was taken to Umdwain, a neighbourhood occupied by the Arabs and later released at 06:00 Pm that same day. It is evident that the group was targeting the Sultan during the attack for reasons which are still unknown. These attacks resulted into the death of 280 people and injuring 160 others. Leaders from both tribes were also involved during the conflicts that is; Masar, Eltahir Alsanoswi Karshom and Hafiz Taj Eldien from the Arab tribe and Mujeeb Alrahman Yagoup and Salih Arabab from the Masalite tribe.

On 10^th May, 2023, former SAF soldiers distributed weapons to the residents of Alzuhoor and Alshati neighbourhoods in Elgenina. Mr. Alfadil Alshareef an NCP member also armed a group of 150 Arabs and instructed them to destroy government/public premises including IDP camps.

On 11^th May, 2023, there was another attack targeting Altdamon, Albuhaira, Althura and Almjlis neighbourhoods which resulted into the killing of approximately 200 people and displacement of approximately 42,639 families who crossed to Chad and have started the registration process as refugees. The number of Sudanese fleeing as refugees to Chad has risen to 3,000 by 10^th June, 2023. ACJPS was reliably informed that some people paid 50,000 Sudanese Pounds, an equivalent of 850 USD to Arabs to enable them cross to Chad. The total number of people who have been killed is approximately 1,000 and those injured are approximately 2,200 with no access to medical support although about 650 wounded people received access to medical attention from Adri town. The ongoing conflict between the parties has led to massive killings and destruction of property particularly caused by bombardments that targeted the residential areas and medical facilities. Medical personnel too have been victims of these attacks. For example, Mr. Adam Zakaria, medical personnel who was killed on 14^th May, 2023. A group of teachers who were staying at a guest house in Elginina were also attacked. A number of children have been killed since the outbreak of the armed conflict, for example, Mr. Mubarak Abu Bakar Yahya together with his children were killed during one of the attacks in their home. Mr. Mohamed Jefoon and his two sons also lost their lives in a similar manner.

On 15^th April, 2023, at 11:00am, Mr. Abdul Rahman Juma, the RSF commander handed himself over to SAF. A reliable source informed ACJPS that some SAF troops crossed over to Chad in a bid to abstain from further conflict.

On 24^th April, 2023, unknown assailants killed the deputy police commander of West Darfur, Mr. Abdul Bagi Al-Hassan Mohamed inside his home in Elgenina.

There is a target on Human Rights defenders as well in Elgenina including doctors and advocates who were involved in previous incidents like 2019 Kriding attack and 2020 Mestray attack. At least 8 human rights defenders have been killed in Elgenina.

Power and water services have been disconnected since 25^th April whereas the internet service was disconnected on 22^ndMay and has been off since then.

Garsilla locality

On 17^th April, 2023, RSF took control of Garsilla locality however, with the intervention of the local authorities it was agreed that RSF soldiers hand over their weapons and ensure safety of the locals. Sadly, the Arab militias took advantage of the situation and looted the Market. On 8^th July, 2023 the group again looted several properties belonging to civilians.

North Darfur State

In North Darfur, RSF took control of the SAF base located in Kabkabia locality on 15^th April, 2023 and have since been in control of the same. The RSF command in North Darfur, Mr. Jedo Abu Shook who is originally from Kutom locality was injured at the beginning of the armed conflict and evacuated to Alabrar Hospital in South Darfur, an area under the control of RSF. He unfortunately passed away in second week of May 2023 and his deputy Mr. Alnoor Alguba was resultantly promoted to RSF first command in North Darfur. However, it is notable that Mr. Alnoor does not have full control of his troops as they have on several occasions dishonored ceasefire agreements entered into by SAF and RSF, an initiative of the North Darfur Governor who created a committee to act as a medium of communication between the two conflicting parties and thus maintain peace in Elfashir town. RSF continued looting in several areas neighboring bases of RSF and SAF. Residents in the area fled to the Southern Side of town and sought refuge in schools like Ali Alsnosi school.

Mr. Mani Manawi, the chairperson of Sudanese People Liberation Army (SPLA), a signatory of the Sudan Peace Agreement, 2020 transferred his troops from Khartoum to Darfur and announced that this was a peacekeeping mission. However, upon his arrival, there were two incidents where ceasefire pacts were violated. ACJPS was reliably informed that Mr. Manawi met with the RSF commander to ensure he had full control of his troops. He had also previously met with RSF commander in Khartoum to discuss the same issues. On 23^rd May, 2023, Joint peacekeeping troops from Manawi fraction and Sudanese People Liberation Transitional Council (SPL/TC) travelling in 18 military vehicles under the command of Dr. Ahadi Idris were ambushed by Armed Arab group while on their way to Elgenina in West Darfur for a peacekeeping mission.

On 28^th May, 2023, joint forces from SPS/MM and SPL/TC established four check points one kilo-meter away from the market in Elfashir in different geographical directions as a measure to protect the civilians moving in and out of the market. This initiative greatly benefited the civilians.

A reliable source informed ACJPS that Mr. Mani Manawi went Chad to discuss the possibility of using Um Jras air Port as entry point for humanitarian assistance to Darfur.

On 19^th June, 2023 RSF took control of a SAF base in Tawella, North Darfur, a move which violated the ceasefire pact signed on 17^th June, 2023. At least 7 people were killed and several others were injured during this attack.

Kutom, North Darfur

On 4^th June, 2023, Mr. Hafiz Daoud, a member of Mahameed Rezigate tribe was killed in Kutom, a town located 67 kilometers west of ElFashir in North Darfur. The deceased was a former officer of Border Guard Forces led by Musa Hilal.

RSF supported by armed Arabs launched an attack against SAF in their base and resultantly took control of the base and arrested the commander in charge of the base and two other officers. RSF accused SAF of arming non-Arabs and forming alliances. The armed Arabs then launched widespread attacks and looting in Kutom resulting into the killing of at approximately 39 people and injuring several others. A number of residents fled from Kutom and headed 45 kilo-meters to Korma and Kafout areas on foot. Those who sustained injuries were transferred to Elfashir South Hospital for medical attention. IDPs in Kasap were able to protect their camp from the attacks by the Arabs

Central Darfur

The situation in Central Darfur is quite different as the local leaders made efforts to facilitate peace since the outbreak of the conflict. In Um Doukhon locality, around 36 native administrators agreed to ensure the security in Um Doukhon. They held a series of meetings the local council premises. The meetings were attended by executive director of Humanitarian Aid Commission (HAC), Dr. Hassan Abakar. The participants agreed to deploy the Police Forces to protect the state with the support of the native administration committee. This was a measure to counter attempted attacks during the weekly markets of Um Doukhon by a group of armed Arabs moving from Kabar sub-administrative unit located in the East North of Um Doukhon to Bendsi then to Zanlingi the capital. On 16^th April, 2023 RSF removed local security forces from Um Doukhon. The security forces had recently returned in February 2023 since their withdrawal after fall of Al-Bashir in 2019. Unlike SAF, RSF does not have base in Um Doukhon.

On 16^th May, 2023, RSF took control over a SAF base in Umdafoog in Central Darfur.

Zalingi the capital of Central Darfur

The situation in Zalingi has been tense since 17^th May 2023. Zalingi witnessed serious gunfire exchange between SAF and RSF. This affected all areas including those neighbouring the SAF base. A number of people have managed to flee out of the town to relatively safe areas.

An initiative by the native administration to get SAF and RSF into a ceasefire pact in April 25^th 2023 proved futile. Albeit SAF is present in their base whilst RSF is deployed in the town. SAF headquarters is guarded by snipers and on three different occasions SAF air bombarded residential areas while targeting the RSF and armed Arabs. Similar to other states, the Arab militias and some RSF members looted markets.

Like in Elgenina, there is neither power nor water supply in Zalingi and medical services are totally inaccessible.

South Darfur State

The southern part of South Darfur is fully under the control of SAF whilst the Northern side is under the control of RSF. The boarder between the two areas was clearly demarcated to keep both parties away from each other, an initiative of the community group. However, the situation deteriorated following the payment of SAF salaries that came through the central bank in Central Darfur and a resolution by Gen. Al Burhan cancelling RSF salary payments. This led to clashes between the two parties which lasted for several days, including looting by armed Arab militias and some RSF personnel targeting markets, residential areas and NGO buildings. Several people lost their lives and several others sustained injuries during the clashes.

On 18^th June, 2023, RSF took over Rehid Alberdi, a SAF base in South Darfur. This will give RSF an advantage to access Khartoum from Central Africa Republic without restrictions from SAF.

East Darfur State

In East Darfur State, the head of Native Administration, Mr. Mahmoud Madebo the leader of Rezigate across Sudan has continuously called for a ceasefire since the outbreak of the armed conflict on 15^th April, 2023. In a bid, to promote peace, Mr. Mahmoud development organised football matches in all neighborhoods of Adeain town from 7^th to 23^rd May 2023. He also made an effort to get fuel to run the power servers when electricity was disconnected for four days. ACJPS was reliably informed that Mr. Mahmoud bought the fuel from a cross boarder trade market in lyibiain.

Looting of property

Since 15^th May, 2023 a number of private land Cruiser vehicles driven by RSF affiliates arrived in Aldein, East Darfur from Khartoum before leaving the town through the West and South West directions. By the end of May, 2023, they were approximately 50 land cruiser vehicles that arrived in Aldein suspected to have been stolen from Khartoum. The vehicles were loaded with boxes containing different items including different currencies. An eye witness informed ACJPS that boxes contained US dollars as well. This led to the drop in the Sudanese currency in Aldein as one US Dollar was valued at 450 Sudanese pounds and yet the official rate was 620.  Later on 30^th May, the rate increased to 600 Sudanese Pound for 1 US dollar.

On 12^th June, 2023 a number of private cars similar to those seen in Aldein arrived in Elfashir, North Darfur through the main road liking the town to Khartoum. An eye witness informed ACJPS the number of vehicles were between 50 to 70 and they were loaded with different unrecognizable items. The vehicles later continued to Kutom town.

Other developments

On 16^th April, 2023 Mr. Mohamed Bashir Abu Namo’s house in Khartoum was bombarded by SAF killing two of his guards luckily Mr. Mohamed was away. Mr. Mohamed is the Minister of Minerals and a member of SPLA/Mani Manawi.

Humanitarian situation

Badur Eldlien Youssef (m) a humanitarian worker working with World relief was killed by SAF. Mr. Tawfiq Ali Hameed who works for IOM sustained injuries on his hand while he was near a mosque in Alwadi neighborhood in Zalingi, Central Darfur.

On 5^th May, 2023, National humanitarian worker Ms. Anma Al-Noor Adam working with World Food Program in Kabkabia office in North Darfur was able to return safely to her home in Elfashir.

List of people Killed in;

Elgenina, West Darfur

• Abdul khalig Matter (m) a human rights defender
• Aamir Mohamed Jefoon (m)
• Abakar Ismail (m)
• Abdul Aziz Adam Mohamed(m)
• Abdul Hakam (m) Teacher
• Abdul Kareem Ahmed (m)
• Abdul Kareem Ishaq Ali(m)
• Abdul khalid Matter (m) a human rights defender
• Abdul Rahman Abdul Mutalab (m)
• Abdullah Abakar Ibrahim (m)
• Abu Bakar Hassan Taj Eldon (m)
• Adam Abdul Kareem (m)
• Adam Aldoma (m) a Doctor
• Adam Badawi(m)
• Adam Bakhit(m)
• Adam Ishaq (m)
• Adam Ishaq Ali (m)
• Adam Nagala Sharar Arabab (m)
• Adam Zachariah (m). Medical personnel
• Ahmed Adam heroin(m)
• Ahmed Bolad Idris (m)
• Ahmed Mohamed Abu Shalkha (m)
• Ahmed Saeed(m)
• Ahmed Yayha Abdullah
• Aldagq Madebo (m)
• Alfadil Doctor Abdullah(m)
• Ali Sumeen (m)
• Alsadiq Mohamed Ahmed (m)
• Amaal Yahiya Matter (f)
• Amar Abdul Aziz (m)
• Amar Isa Eltahir(m)
• Amir Jefoon (m)
• Ashraf Abakar Matter (m)
• Asim Ibrahim Yagoup Darfuri(m)
• Badawi Masri Bahar Eldien(m) Native Administration Leader from Maslaite Sultan Family
• Elfatih Shaa Endean Shomo
• Elteyeb Kodi (m) Human rights defender and advocate
• Elteyeb Adam Sheakh Eldlien (m)
• Elteyeb Dahab (m)
• Elteyeb Garafanda (m)
• Eltyeb Yaogob Mohamed (m)
• Fawzia Isa Mohamed (f)
• Hameed Mohamed Adam (m)
• Hashiem Shomo (m)
• Hazeen Gari Adam (m)
• Hussein Ibrahim Ahmed Hussein (m)
• Ibrahim Ahmed Hussein aka “Azazah”
• Ibrahim Jamaa Abdullah Ibrahim (m)
• Ismail Mohamed (m) aged 32
• Khadija Eltahir Hagar (f)
• Khamis Abdullah Abakar(m) the governor of West Darfur
• Khamis Arabab (m) lawyer and human rights defender
• Khidir Suleiman )m) human rights defender and the office director of EIDA organization
• Mohamed Abdullah (m)
• Mohamed Alzain (m)
• Mohamed Abdul Rahman Ishaq (m)
• Mohamed Ahmed Kidi (m) an advocate and human rights defender
• Mohamed Badhir Awad (m) aged 25
• Mohamed Elnoor Youssef (m)
• Mohamed Hassan Badawi (m) an Engineer
• Mohamed Saad Bahar Eldien. Son to the Masalite Sultan
• Mubarak Alnoor Youssef (m)
• Mubarak Ibrahim (m)
• Mudathir (m)
• Mustafa David (m)
• Mustafa Ishaq(m)
• Mutaz Mohamed Abdul Jaleel(m)
• Noor Aldaim Abdul Aziz (m)
• Omer Azhari El Emam (m)

North Darfur

• Ryad Zaki Abakar khater (m)
• Mohamed Ahmed Abu Almomen (m)
• Mutaz Mustafa Mohamed Ali (m)
• Yagoup Ismail Ali Adam (m,)
• Abdul Majid Mohamed Omer (m)
• Unidentified name (m) aged 16
• Abdul Aziz Adam Tamem (m)
• Bakri Khalil Mohamed Salih (m)

Kutom

• Hussien Idris Suliman (m)
• Eltijani Idris Suliman (m)
• Abdul Jbsr Idris Suliman (m)
• Babkir Idris Suliman (m)
• Anour Mohamed Suliman (m)
• Omdah Abdul Rahman (m)

Tawilla

• Eldien Ahmed Abdullah (m)
• Mohamed Ali Abdllah Mohamed (m)
• Abu Algasim Yahya Hamed (m)
• Mohamed Abdullah (m)
• Anwar Ababkar Adam Ali (m)
• Emad Eltijani Alnoor (m)

South Darfur State

• Noman Hassan Salim (m)
• Berish Hassan Salim (m)
• Hydar Hamid Juma (m)
• Hameed Hamid Juma (m)
• Khadiga Mustafa (m)
• Hussam Kamal Hamed Alshareef (m)
• Ahmed Kamal Hamed Alshareef (m)
• Mohamed Jamal (m).
• (m)
• Mustafa Ali Hamdan (m)
• Wadah Alsyed Alhaj (m)
• Mohamed Jamal (m)
• Nasir belo
• Alnzeer Mohamed Alsayer (m)
• Safiah Taj alsfia(f)
• Moahmed Abdul Majeed (m)
• Mustafa Ali Humidan (m)

Central Darfur

• Jamal Moahmed Abdul Kareem (m)
• Qurashi Yagoup (m)
• Arafa yosuef Mohamed (f)
• Mudathier Saeed Eltahir (m)
• Hawa Abakar (f)
• Mohamed Abdullah Idris (m)

List of People injured in;

Elfashir, North Darfur

These are people who her injured in Elfashir Market when a group of RSF attempted to loot the market and SAF intervened.

• Ali Mohamed Adam (m) aged 83
• Mohanad Abdul Hadi Mohamed (m) aged 10
• Mohanad Saleah Jebreel (m) aged 11
• Anwar Ali Eldien Mohamed (m) aged 22
• Katoum Zakaria Abu Bakar (f) aged 42
• Mohamadeen Mohamed (m) aged 34
• Saif Musa (m) aged 47
• Adam Abdul Raziq (m) aged 60
• Ibtahim Mohamed Mubarak (m) aged 18
• Aisha Ismail Mohamed (f) aged 42
• Hamza Yagoup (m) aged 19

In Kutom

• Abdul Salam Moamar Adam (m) aged 23
• Norah Adam(f) aged 23
• Mohamed khalil Mohamed (m) Aged 47
• Elsadiq Ibrahim Suliman(m) Aged 45
• Salah Eldien Ibrahim(m)
• Khalid Abdul Rahman (m) aged 58
• Fatma Abdallah Adam (f) aged 60
• Salih Adam Abdallah (m) ahed 55

Tawilla

• Bahar Mohamed Yahya (m)
• Radwan Mohamed Yahyah (m)
• Adam yahya (m)
• Abdul Azeem Ibrahim Mohamed (m)
• Mohamed Ahmed Alnoor(m)
• Buthina Yahya Daw Albeat (f)