RSF fighters accused of ransacking homes, arrests
April 22, 2024 (KHARTOUM) – The paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have launched a series of arrests targeting residents of Tuti Island, located in the center of Khartoum on the Nile River, multiple sources told Sudan Tribune on Monday.
Local area community leaders have been detained for about two weeks now.
Residents interviewed by Sudan Tribune claimed in areas under RSF control, the paramilitary group is engaged in a campaign of intimidation and violence, including killings, property looting, and restrictions on food and medicine supplies.
These tactics are allegedly aimed at forcing residents to leave their homes.
“The RSF initially summoned island leaders, but the situation escalated into arrests,” a statement from Tuti citizens received by Sudan Tribune on Sunday reads.
“Other leaders were taken from their homes,” it added.
These developments follow a reported rape incident on Eid al-Fitr involving a young woman and an RSF member. A subsequent community meeting to condemn the act reportedly angered the RSF, who have maintained control of the area since the conflict began and imposed a siege that restricts movement.
In the one past year, however, residents have reportedly attempted to negotiate with the RSF to allow passage for medical emergencies and essential supplies.
Tensions, the statement noted, heightened when an RSF commander and his armed guards entered a mosque while residents were discussing the rape incident. The commander’s attempt to speak was met with objections, leading to a confrontation with a guard who shot and injured seven people, one fatally.
The statement further reports that the latest arrests targeted leaders who were previously working with the RSF to secure the release of earlier detainees.
These leaders remain in custody at a detention center on Tuti Island.
According to the statement, the Tuti community has historically been able to resolve such issues through dialogue with the RSF. However, following the rape and mosque shooting, the RSF appears to be targeting civil leaders.
The statement further details an increase in thefts, harassment, and intimidation since the arrests. This could hinder volunteers from delivering essential supplies like food, water and medicine.
The RSF has been accused of committing a range of human rights abuses across Sudan, including genocide, forced displacement, killings, abductions, and conflict-related sexual violence. These tactics, employed to control areas under their dominion, reportedly impoverish residents and stifle livelihoods.
(ST)