Darfur’s Joint Force accuses RSF of ethnically motivated detentions

August 17, 2024 (EL FASHER) – A spokesperson for Darfur’s Joint Force accused the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) on Thursday of detaining around 13 civilians from areas east and west of El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur, based on their ethnicity.

The Joint Force, in collaboration with the Sudanese army and Popular Resistance, has been engaged in intense battles against the RSF in El Fasher since May 10.

The ongoing conflict in the city has led to the displacement of over 500,000 people, many seeking refuge in the Jebel Marra mountains controlled by the Sudan Liberation Movement.

Ahmed Hussein Mustafa, the Joint Force spokesperson, told Sudan Tribune that the RSF abducted the civilians and demanded ransoms from their families, threatening death or forced recruitment if the payments weren’t met.

He stated that the abductions, targeting individuals from the Moro villages, Abu Zureiga, and the Zamzam camp for displaced people, were based on tribal and regional affiliations. He further condemned these actions as another grave violation against unarmed civilians by the RSF.

The abducted individuals have been transported to the Adula mountains in East Darfur state.

In April, the RSF and allied Arab militias carried out attacks on approximately 15 villages west of El Fasher, predominantly inhabited by the Zaghawa ethnic group.

These attacks resulted in widespread human rights abuses, including killings, looting, and enforced disappearances, forcing many residents to flee their homes.