West Darfur becomes new battleground in Sudan conflict

September 30, 2024 (KALBUS) – Fighting between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has spread to West Darfur, an RSF-controlled state bordering Chad, marking a new front in the 17-month conflict.

Clashes erupted on Monday in the town of Kalbus, with the army-aligned Joint Force claiming to have repelled an RSF attack. Awad Nur Ashr, a commander in the Justice and Equality Movement (JEM) and part of the Joint Force, stated they “inflicted heavy losses” on the RSF, killing the attacking force’s commander and his deputy. He added that 14 RSF vehicles were destroyed and dozens of their fighters killed.

Speaking about the clashes in Kalbus, Sudan Liberation Movement leader Minni Minawi said the joint forces “Taught the Rapid Support Forces another lesson that they will certainly not forget”.

Sources told Sudan Tribune that fighting was concentrated around Mount Awm, with both sides using heavy weaponry. The RSF has not commented on the clashes.

The JEM has been mobilizing forces in the region for days. Videos circulating online show reinforcements arriving in Kalbus, which lies approximately 140 km (87 miles) north of El Geneina, the state capital.

The Joint Force aims to retake control of West Darfur from the RSF, which seized the state early in the conflict.

The RSF has been accused of widespread atrocities in West Darfur state, including ethnic cleansing against the Masalit community. The violence has forced over 800,000 people to flee into neighbouring Chad.

(ST)