Tribal leader Musa Hilal survives assassination attempt in North Darfur

April 4, 2024 (EL-FASHER) – Musa Hilal, a prominent tribal leader and head of the Revolutionary Awakening Council, narrowly escaped an assassination attempt on Monday.

A gunman opened fire on Hilal while he was meeting with local dignitaries in the town of Umm Sant, North Darfur. Hilal’s private guards intervened, injuring and arresting the attacker.

Hilal is a controversial figure. In February, he publicly opposed the ongoing conflict between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) paramilitary group. He accused the RSF of human rights abuses in Darfur.

According to Hilal’s son, Fathi Musa Hilal, the attacker’s motive remains unclear. “While my father was meeting with local leaders, an armed man approached and opened fire,” Fathi told Sudan Tribune.

“He missed his target and was apprehended by the guards. We are still investigating his motives and any potential affiliations.”

Fathi did not directly blame any group for the attack but hinted at involvement by forces aligned with the RSF. He also revealed that Hilal met with representatives of the attacker’s tribe, urging them to avoid conflict with the state.

Hilal’s relationship with the former Sudanese regime had been strained. Following that, the RSF arrested him in November 2017. In 2018, he faced charges of undermining the government, inciting war, and tribal conflict.

He was released in March 2021, but authorities have restricted his travel to Darfur, a region largely controlled by the RSF. Hilal defied returned to Darfur in April 2023, calling for an end to the ongoing violence.