RSF retakes control of key town near Chad border in Sudan’s West Darfur

October 21, 2024 (KALBUS) – The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) claimed control of Kalbus, a town near the Chad border, on Monday, while a spokesman for the joint force allied with the army said fighting was ongoing.

Kalbus is located 130 kilometres from El Geneina, the capital of West Darfur state, which has been under RSF control since November 2023.

RSF fighters released video clips showing their presence at the local government headquarters and in Kalbus’ neighbourhoods after clashes with the Joint Force. They reported that some joint force elements retreated into Chad.

Eyewitnesses told Sudan Tribune that clashes between the RSF and the joint force resulted in casualties on both sides.

The RSF confirmed its control of Kalbus on its official Telegram channel.

However, Joint Force spokesman Ahmed Hussein told Sudan Tribune that clashes were still ongoing.

The joint force took control of Kalbus on October 7th. The town was previously administered by the Qamar tribe, whose sultanate persuaded the RSF not to attack it during its takeover of West Darfur in November 2023.

The joint force reached the Jabal Umm area east of Kalbus as part of a military campaign launched by the army and its allies on September 26th to reclaim RSF-controlled areas.

The RSF successfully repelled the joint force from Jabal Umm, tightening its control over Kalbus and effectively giving it control over the entire West Darfur state, a region where Human Rights Watch has reported horrific war crimes against the Masalit ethnic group.

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) recently reported the displacement of 1,000 families from Kalbus due to security concerns, with most seeking refuge in border areas with Chad.