Darfur joint force, RSF clash outside the capital of North Darfur

July 3, 2023 (EL-OBEID) – A clash erupted on Monday between a group of armed movements, signatories to the Juba Peace Agreement, and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) west of the capital of North Kordofan state.

The joint force, consisting of the Sudan Liberation Movement led by Minni Minnawi, the Justice and Equality Movement led by Gibril Ibrahim, the Gathering of Sudan Liberation Forces (GSLF), and the Sudanese Alliance, was en route from El Fasher in North Darfur to the White Nile state to transport fuel for the Darfur region.

Formed on April 27, 2023, the joint forces have been instrumental in securing vast areas of North Darfur state after a security vacuum resulted from fighting between the army and the RSF.

Their responsibilities have expanded to include transporting humanitarian aid, protecting commercial convoys and evacuating foreign nationals working in the region.

According to Fathi Osman, the GSLF spokesperson, the clash occurred when an RSF force intercepted the joint forces west of El-Obeid.

“The RSF demanded to be included in the joint force to facilitate their troops into El-Obeid, but the mobile commander denied their request. This disagreement led to clashes, although no casualties were reported,” he added.

Osman underscored that the joint forces successfully reached El-Obeid without allowing the RSF to enter the city centre with them.

The RSF has been attempting to gain control of El-Obeid since the conflict with the Sudanese army began on April 15. The city holds strategic importance as it connects the states of Kordofan and Darfur.

The paramilitary failed to seize the town despite several attempts during the past two months.

(ST)