SLM-Abdel Wahid forces seize RSF camp in South Darfur

December 3, 2023 (NYALA) – Forces loyal to the Sudan Liberation Movement (SLM), led by Abdel Wahid Nur, have taken control of a vast Rapid Support Forces (RSF) camp in South Darfur state following the RSF’s withdrawal towards the state capital, Nyala.

Military sources revealed to Sudan Tribune on Sunday that “SLM forces seized an RSF camp in the Deribat area of South Darfur after the RSF abruptly retreated to the state headquarters, Nyala.”

Years ago, the RSF established a substantial camp in Deribat, which had previously served as one of the holdout movement’s strongholds before it was forced to withdraw towards Jebel Marra.

The SLM’s recapture of the camp is part of their ongoing efforts to expand their presence across South, Central, and North Darfur states, capitalizing on the security vacuum created by the ongoing conflict between the army and the RSF, which erupted on April 15, 2022.

Late last month, the SLM deployed a significant force led by the movement’s army chief of staff, reaching El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur state, to protect displacement camps against a potential attack by the RSF on Darfur’s historic capital.

The RSF’s capture of four out of five Darfur states compelled several factions to reevaluate their neutral stance in the army-paramilitary group conflict, as they apprehended that this shift could establish a new regional paradigm.

(ST)