RSF detains dozens in Khartoum amid civilian protection efforts
September 22, 2024 (KHARTOUM) – The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Sudan has detained more than 40 military personnel and civilians in areas it controls in Khartoum, an official within the RSF’s newly formed Civilian Protection Force said on Saturday.
Brigadier General Abdel Karim al-Qouni, the force’s commander, told Sudan Tribune that military detainees were being tried in military prisons while civilians were referred to police stations for investigation.
He said 42 people had been arrested for various crimes in the al-Sahafa suburb, south of the capital.
The RSF, led by Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, known as Hemedti, announced the formation of the Civilian Protection Force in mid-August amid rising reports of abuses in areas under its control.
The force has also been deployed in the states of Gezira and Darfur, al-Qouni said.
However, the RSF denies its personnel are involved in any crimes, blaming “outlaws” and groups backed by the military intelligence of the Sudanese army.
The conflict in Sudan erupted in April between the army and the RSF, killing thousands and displacing millions.
Despite Hemetti’s orders to protect civilians and facilitate humanitarian aid, reports of RSF abuses persist.
On Saturday, residents in south Khartoum reported RSF elements firing randomly and looting in the al-Inqaz neighbourhood.
Al-Qouni acknowledged the challenges faced by the force but said it was committed to providing a safe environment for civilians.
He said the force is “military and civilian in nature” and has “all powers of arrest, detention and apprehension. “