RSF forces destroy government institutions in Central Darfur
July 7, 2023 (ZALINGEI) – A senior official in Central Darfur State revealed on Friday that the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) had destroyed all government institutions in the state capital, Zalingei, after gaining control over the city, with the exception of the army command.
Since April 20, Zalingei has been engulfed in intense clashes between the army and the RSF. On May 18, communication and internet services were cut off from the state, which is partially controlled by the non-signatory Sudan Liberation Movement led by Abdel Wahid al-Nur (SLM-AW).
“The Support Forces and allied militias have taken control of most government institutions, including the government secretariat, ministry headquarters, police headquarters, the Central Reserve Forces Command, and other facilities. They have looted and set fire to some of these buildings,” the official told Sudan Tribune under the cover of anonymity.
He also mentioned that the residence of Governor Saad Adam Babikir has been converted into a military barracks and headquarters of Maj Gen Ali Yaqoub Gibril, the RSF commander in Central Darfur State.
Furthermore, the official disclosed that the RSF and Arab tribal militias had launched over a dozen attacks on the army headquarters. Still, the army successfully repelled the assaults and inflicted heavy losses on the assailants.
The official also highlighted incidents where gunmen in the camps of Hamidiya and Five Minutes, under the control of the non-signatory group, repelled attacks by RSF-backed Arab tribal militias. These militias attempted to storm the camps and loot the homes of the displaced.
The official pointed out the scarcity of medicines and essential commodities due to the looting of the large market. In addition, he noted the continued displacement of civilians to South Darfur state and SLM-AW-controlled areas in Jebel Marra.
The RSF and allied militias have taken control of significant portions of Darfur, raising concerns about the region being on the brink of an all-out civil war due to atrocities committed by the RSF and allied militias.
(ST)