Darfur tribal leader Musa Hilal pledges support for Sudanese army

April 22, 2024 (Mistariha, North Darfur) – In a significant development, Musa Hilal, a prominent tribal leader in North Darfur, has declared his support for the Sudanese army in its ongoing conflict with the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

Hilal, head of the Revolutionary Awakening Council and the chief of the Mahamid branch of the Rizeigat tribe (which includes many RSF leaders), becomes the first senior figure from the tribe to back the army since the fighting began in April 2023.

Previously, Hilal had been a vocal critic of the RSF, accusing its troops of widespread human rights abuses against civilians in Darfur. He also condemned their use of alleged foreign mercenaries.

Hilal emphasized his commitment to the Sudanese state and its institutions when speaking to a crowd in Um Sunt, North Darfur. “We stand with the armed forces,” he declared. The defence of our homeland requires full force. Many Darfuri tribes have urged me to prioritize state stability and peace.”

Hilal strongly refuted the RSF’s claims that their actions aim to dismantle Sudan as established in 1956. He argued they misunderstood the significance of the 1956 state, which embodies the sacrifices of Sudanese patriots who fought for independence.

Hilal further vowed to combat the violence, rape, and looting perpetrated by RSF members in North Darfur. He called for unity and a stronger social fabric within the region.

Weeks after the outbreak of the war, Hilal travelled from Khartoum to Darfur. He toured several areas in North Darfur and urged an end to the fighting.

In November 2017, the RSF arrested Hilal and three of his sons. They faced a military court following a case filed by the paramilitary group. The charges against Hilal included undermining the constitution, inciting war against the state, and provoking tribal conflict. He was released in March 2021, two years after the fall of the Bashir regime.