RSF bars West Darfur residents from fleeing to Chad
November 19, 2023 (EL GENEINA) – The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in the town of Kereneik, West Darfur State, have imposed a ban on civilians crossing into neighbouring Chad and have levied hefty fines on those who violate the order.
The decision, issued on November 15, cites the restoration of security and stability in the region as the reason for the ban. Only merchants, patients, and individuals with special needs are permitted to leave after obtaining approval from the regional commander.
West Darfur State, including Kereneik, witnessed widespread violence against civilians following clashes between the Sudanese army and the RSF in April 2023. Arab tribes loyal to the paramilitary forces targeted civilians, perpetrating mass killings.
At the time, the RSF was accused of fuelling the violence after Arab tribal fighters were seen using RSF four-wheel-drive vehicles and wearing their military uniforms.
Mukhtar Hassan, a resident of Kereneik who fled to the border town of Adikong, told Sudan Tribune on Sunday, “After seizing control of the Sudanese army’s garrison in Kereneik, the RSF imposed a complete siege on the remaining residents. They prevented them from travelling to Chad by establishing numerous outposts along the road to the town of Adikong.”
Hassan revealed that the RSF and their allied Arab militias have imposed exorbitant financial penalties on vehicle owners who transport families wishing to reach Chadian territory.
He stated that each vehicle owner caught transporting civilians heading to Chad faces a 500,000-pound fine, in addition to a 100,000-pound fine for each person apprehended on their way to Chad.
Hassan recounted widespread abuses committed by the RSF and Arab militias against the remaining residents of Kereneik, including ethnic killings, rape, and the imposition of fees and levies on merchants.
Over 570,000 Sudanese and Chadian people have fled Darfur to Chad since the outbreak of hostilities in Sudan. In a recent video released during her visit to Sudanese refugees in Chad, Dominique Hyde stated that 3,000 Sudanese refugees arrive in Chad every day.
On November 4, the Rapid Support Forces assumed control of the command of the 15th Infantry Division of the Sudanese Army in West Darfur State, as part of its expanded military operations in the Darfur region.
(ST)