Renewed clashes in North Darfur capital leave one dead, several injured
June 22, 2023 (EL FASHER) – Fighting between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) flared again in the capital of North Darfur state, leaving at least one dead and several wounded.
Prompted by the efforts of community leaders and representatives of armed movements who signed the Juba Peace Agreement, a temporary ceasefire had been brokered to avert the looming threat of civil war in Darfur.
El Fasher was divided into two zones in line with the truce, with the army controlling the western part and the RSF presiding over the eastern territory.
However, the fragile peace was shattered when the Rapid Support Command demanded payment for its soldiers’ salaries, which the army vehemently refused after the rebellion paramilitary group.
The clashes reignited as the RSF shelled the army command, the El Fasher Market, and neighbouring districts such as “Tarifiya, Al-Jil, Al-Jama’a, Al-Usra, and Al-Tijaniyya.” In response, the army retaliated with counter-bombing.
The clashes claimed the life of at least one civilian and left five others injured. Additionally, two soldiers from the signatory armed groups tasked with securing the city market were evacuated to a hospital in the south for treatment.
In anticipation of further clashes, both parties positioned their forces across different parts of the city and shut down the central market as well as the largest livestock market.
Towards the end of April, four armed groups, including the Sudan Liberation Movement – Minnawi, the Sudanese Alliance, the Gathering of Sudan Liberation Forces, and the Justice and Equality Movement, formed a joint force to ensure the security of specific areas west of El Fasher and the central market.
On Thursday, the joint force of armed groups in Darfur stated that its troops escorting a convoy of doctors, engineers and medical supplies had been ambushed by armed men on the El-Fasher Nyala highways on June 20.
One combatant was killed and two others were wounded by the attackers. Additionally, one of the assailants was arrested by the joint force, but no further details were provided..