RSF accused of kidnapping merchants in West Kordofan

December 26, 2025 (GHUBEISH, W. Kordofan) – Activists on Friday accused the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) of kidnapping at least 10 merchants from the town of Ghubeish in West Kordofan state, sparking widespread fear among local residents.

West Kordofan, which is under the full control of the RSF, has seen a significant deterioration in security amid a rise in killings and abductions allegedly carried out by members of the paramilitary force.

Activists said RSF soldiers have been targeting merchants, tribal leaders, and doctors, holding them in undisclosed locations to extort ransom payments from their families.

The Dar Hamar Emergency Room said in a statement that an RSF force in Ghubeish locality stormed the village of Wad Abu Mellisi and arrested more than 10 local traders before taking them to an unknown destination.

The statement said the group expected the captors to contact the detainees’ relatives to demand money or subject the merchants to torture.

The emergency room held the RSF-affiliated civil administration and certain tribal leaders loyal to the paramilitary group responsible for the wave of arrests.