RSF detains dozens in North Darfur crackdown

October 6, 2024 (KUTUM) – The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) detained dozens of people in Sudan’s North Darfur state on Sunday, a human rights activist said, amid a crackdown on civilians following clashes with an army-allied militia.

Mudaththir Hussein Mustafa told Sudan Tribune that the arrests took place in Kutum town and the Kassab camp for displaced people. The RSF also imposed a strict curfew in both locations, starting at 4 p.m. local time (1400 GMT) and lasting until the following morning.

“The RSF carried out a widespread arrest campaign… and assaulted dozens by beating them and expelling them from their homes after accusing them of supporting the armed movements,” Mustafa said.

He added that the RSF raided homes, looted property, and issued orders to close Kutum’s main market and ban the use of Starlink satellite internet devices.

The RSF has not commented on the arrests or the reported curfew.

The crackdown follows fighting between the RSF and a joint force of armed movements allied with the Sudanese army in Bir Maza, Bridek, and other towns near Kutum late last week.