RSF accused of new atrocities in Central Sudan

September 20, 2024 (WAD MADANI) – The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have been accused of committing a new wave of atrocities in villages in Sudan’s central Al Jazirah state, including killings and looting, according to witnesses and local groups.

The violence reportedly occurred late last week. Eyewitnesses told Sudan Tribune that RSF forces killed a civilian during looting operations in the village of Hijaz. The Al Jazirah Conference, a local group, accused the RSF of killing four civilians in an attack on the village of Um Jalud on Thursday.

Resistance committees in the Abu Qouta area said RSF forces raided the village of Kambo Musa on Wednesday, demanding residents hand over their motorcycles and money at gunpoint. The RSF also reportedly looted cattle.

A statement from Abu Qouta resistance committees said the RSF attacked the village of Qoz Al-Naqa, killing around 40 people and wounding dozens.

The Sudan Doctors Network, a civil society group, said a report from its team in Al Jazirah state documented 704 deaths and 3,492 injuries in the state since the RSF took control of parts of it. The report said 90% of those killed were shot.

The network appealed for medical aid for Al-Manaqil Hospital, which is under siege by the RSF and facing a large influx of patients.

The RSF has been accused of widespread abuses, including killings, looting, and forced displacement since it seized control of Al Jazirah state in December. The region has also been suffering from a communications blackout and food shortages.

In early June, the RSF attacked the town of Wad Al-Noura, killing more than 100 people, an incident that drew international condemnation.